INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

CDC/Actis Capital

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether external consultants have advised CDC/Actis Capital on the Higaturu Oil Palms investment since 1999; and whether the deal team identified specific areas of concern regarding impact on (a) the environment, (b) indigenous cultures and (c) employed smallholders.

Hilary Benn: Several external consultants have advised CDC on Higaturu Oil Palms since 1999. All have made recommendations for further improvement of Higaturu's environmental management, which have been incorporated into Higaturu's environmental management plan. None of them identified areas of concern that had not already been recognised or were not part of ongoing management.

CDC/Actis Capital

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will list CDC/Actis Capital's expenditure on (a) corporate executive and (b) department staff development and team building exercises in each year since 2002.

Hilary Benn: CDC's expenditure on (a) Corporate Executive and (b) department staff development and team building exercises from 2002 until the end of June was as follows:
	
		£ million
		
			   Corporate executive Staff development and team building 
		
		
			 2002 0.2 0.2 
			 2003 0.2 0.1 
			 2004 (end June) 0.1 0.1 
		
	
	These figures do not include expenditure incurred by Actis since its demerger from CDC earlier this year. As Actis is an independently managed business, in which HMG is only a minority shareholder, it is inappropriate for me to comment on the internal affairs of the business.

CDC/Actis Capital

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will list CDC/Actis Capital public relations consultant expenditure since 1997, broken down by project.

Hilary Benn: CDC retained a UK public relations agency in 1997 and 1998, but stopped its services in mid 1999. Fees paid were minimal.
	Another UK public relations agency was employed in late 2002 and its services were used until April 2004. The costs of the services of this agency were £30,667 in 2002 and £113,512 in 2003. A breakdown by project is not possible as neither agency was retained on a project-specific basis. CDC has not retained any PR consultants since then.
	These figures do not include any expenditure incurred by Actis on public relations since its demerger from CDC earlier this year. As Actis is an independently managed business, in which HMG is only a minority shareholder, it is inappropriate for me to comment on the internal affairs of the business.

CDC/Actis Capital

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development 
	(1)  what representations he has received on the conditions of smallholders employed by Pacific Rim Palm Oil;
	(2)  what representations he has received regarding the Higaturu Oil Palms plantation's effect on (a) public health, (b) water quality, (c) indigenous sacred sites, (d) tribal property rights, (e) labour rights, (f) rainforest sustainability and deforestation and (g) species habitat; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: I received a letter from Friends of the Earth in June 2004, which enclosed letters from organisations in Papua New Guinea. In my reply to Friends of the Earth, I assured them that DFID takes these matters very seriously but that they should be taken up in the first instance with the company concerned. I understand that Actis, which manages the CDC investment in Pacific Rim Palm Oil Pte Ltd., the owners of Higaturu Oil Palms, held a meeting in late June 2004 with Friends of the Earth about these issues and has also replied to them by letter. In that reply, they invited Friends of the Earth to visit the plantation.

Correspondence

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when he will reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Richmond Park of 30 April regarding the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline.

Hilary Benn: I wrote to the hon. Member about this subject on 23 September. Unfortunately, DFID has no record of receiving her original letter.

Council of Ministers

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development 
	(1)  if he will provide a written ministerial statement outlining for each meeting of the Council of Ministers at which his Department is represented as soon as is practicable following that meeting (a) the key items of discussion, (b) the positions of the Government on those items, (c) the key positions taken by other member states that Ministers consider should be noted by hon. Members and (d) any preliminary discussion on the timing and the agenda of the following meeting;
	(2)  if he will provide a written ministerial statement outlining the key points on the agenda for each of the Council of Ministers' meetings at which his Department is represented in advance of each meeting.

Mr. Gareth Thomas: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary on 13 September 2004, Official Report, column 1451W.

Departmental Costs

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate he has made of the cost of fraud to his Department in each year since 1997, broken down by (a) UK locations and (b) overseas offices.

Mr. Gareth Thomas: The estimated cost of fraud to DFID each year since 1997, including the number of cases, is illustrated in the following table. While many of the cases are relatively small in financial terms (the total loss due to fraud in recent years is 0.006 percent of DFID's total spending) the Department remain committed to minimising such losses. This year DFID has reviewed and updated its policy and response to fraud, with advice from anti-fraud specialists.
	
		
			  UK (£) Number of cases Overseas Number of cases Total (£) 
		
		
			 1996–1997 1,986 1 6,287 2 8,273 
			 1997–1998 2,732 2 45,633 2 48,365 
			 1998–1999 nil — 96,925 9 96,925 
			 1999–2000 79,833 5 11,220 4 91,053 
			 2000–2001 9,489 6 8,750 5 18,239 
			 2001–2002 1,378 3 82,187 9 83,565 
			 2002–2003 8,385 5 94,599 12 102,984 
			 2003–2004 30,000 1 (1)202,91 7 16 232,917 
		
	
	(1) This is the current estimate since investigations are ongoing for some cases in 2003–2004.

Departmental Projects

Alan Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will list water services (a) delivery and (b) consultancy projects his Department has supported in each of the last five financial years; what levels of financial support were given in respect of each project; and which UK based companies were recipients of funding.

Mr. Gareth Thomas: The information requested is not readily available without extensive research being carried out for which the time and expenditure would incur a disproportionate cost.

Departmental Projects

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what (a) overspend and (b) underspend has been identified for (i) programmes, (ii) initiatives, (iii) overseas projects and (iv) Department-wide projects funded by his Department in the last financial year.

Mr. Gareth Thomas: DFID's resource budget covers all DFID expenditure on development assistance. The outturn against the operating budget in 2003–04 is set out in the following table. This includes spending on programmes, projects and other initiatives. Separate figures are given for the Africa and Global Conflict pools:
	
		2003–04
		
			 £ million 
			  Net Resource Provision (voted) Net Resource Outturn Under (-) /Over (+) spend 
		
		
			 RfR1: Eliminating Poverty in Poorer Countries 3,015 2,914 -101 
			 RfR1: Other Adjustment — -85 -85 
			 RfR2: Conflict Pools 49 45 -4 
			 Total 3,064 2,959 -190 
		
	
	DFID also provided development assistance through our contribution to the EC. This totalled £865 million in 2003–04. The official outturn will not be available until 2006.
	The following table shows resource outturn by Departmental Objective. This compares gross resource outturn against programme budgets. It excludes administration costs and other costs (for example, Capital Charges).
	
		2003–04
		
			 £ million 
			  Net Resource Programme Budget Net Resource Programme Outturn Under (-)/Over (+) spend 
		
		
			 Reducing Poverty in sub- Saharan Africa 680 639 -41 
			 Reducing Poverty in Asia 514 592 +78 
			 Reducing Poverty in the Rest of the World 425 429 +4 
			 Improve Efficiency of Multilateral Aid 780 676 -104 
			 Developing Innovative Approaches to Development 229 225 -4 
			 Programmes Contributing to Multiple Objectives 73 89 +16 
			 Others 2 -21 -23 
			 Total 2,704 2,630 -74 
		
	
	
		Conflict Pools 2003–04
		
			 £ million 
			  Resource Budget Resource Outturn Under (-) /Over (+) spend 
		
		
			 Africa 22 19 -3 
			 Global 27 26 -1 
			 Total 49 45 -4 
		
	
	DFID also invests in capital projects for its own administration, for example, on accommodation and Information Technology projects. Spend against the Administration Capital budget in 2003–04 was as follows:
	
		2003–04
		
			 £ million 
			  Admin Capital Budget Admin Capital Outturn Under (-) /Over (+) spend 
		
		
			 Central Departments 32 30 -2

Departmental Recycling

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the latest available 12 month figures are for the proportion of the Department's redundant documentation, waste paper and card that is recycled; and if he will make a statement on the Department's recycling policy.

Mr. Gareth Thomas: In the UK, in the last 12 months, the Department for International Development has recycled at least 90 per cent. of our redundant documentation, waste paper and card, and has now implemented an Environment Management System to monitor all our environmental impacts including waste streams. DFID also has a clear policy to reduce our production of waste by actively encouraging re-use, recycling and composting of paper and card and recycling of other materials such as glass, metal and wood. DFID also use refurbished and recycled products and materials wherever possible, and all our copying paper is 100 per cent. recycled with at least 75 per cent. post-consumer waste.

Disaster-prone Regions

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the answer of 22 July 2004, Official Report, columns 383–84W, on disaster-prone regions, if he will set a date for the implementation of a disaster reduction strategy.

Hilary Benn: The scoping study designed to inform DFID's proposed strategy for Disaster Reduction is due to be completed within the next few weeks. DFID will then start to draw up a strategy and a plan for its implementation, but we also wish to take account of the outcome of the World Conference on Disaster Reduction to be held in Japan in January 2005 before finalising it. Therefore I envisage that DFID's strategy will be finalised by the end of March 2005. It will include information on an implementation.

Hurricane Ivan

Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance his Department plans (a) to provide to and (b) to request from the European Union for (i) the Cayman Islands, (ii) Jamaica, (iii) Grenada and (iv) other affected parts of the Caribbean following the passage of Hurricane Ivan.

Hilary Benn: Details of the UK's immediate humanitarian response to affected parts of the Caribbean, following the impact of Hurricane Ivan, were included in the oral statement I made in the House on 14 September and the written statement provided on 16 September.
	Since then DFID has announced a further contribution of £368,000 to the International Federation of the Red Cross towards their regional appeal, bringing our overall support to the Red Cross to £0.5 million. DFID has continued to deliver priority relief supplies, including plastic sheeting, potable water and hygiene materials to the Cayman Islands following an urgent request from the Government. Following the completion of field assessments, we are also considering support to the relief efforts of non-governmental organisations working in Grenada and Jamaica.
	The European Community has announced it is mobilising £3.65 million in emergency relief and post emergency rehabilitation to help Grenada cope in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan. This includes the earlier commitment of £1.01 million from the European Commission's Humanitarian Aid Office towards the country's emergency needs and to assist St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The UK share of this European Community humanitarian assistance is about £710,000. The European Union is also planning to mobilise £2.64 million from the allocation to Grenada under the European Development Fund, originally set aside for unforeseen circumstances. This allocation will go towards post emergency reconstruction focusing on the rehabilitation of schools that were severely damaged.
	The European Union will also be exploring, with the Government, ways to adapt already committed but as yet un-disbursed funds available to Grenada. In addition, discussions will also be held with the Government concerning a previously earmarked £3.51 million for the development of the water sector in Grenada as to the possibility of using these funds to help with the rehabilitation of the water system that has been severely disrupted.
	The full extent of the recovery needs of Grenada and other affected islands will take a little time to be assessed but the extent of destruction and damage indicates significant loss. The World Bank sent a team last week to Grenada. The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States and Caribbean Development Bank will be starting their assessment this week. The Government of Jamaica plan to announce their initial findings later this week.
	I will be making a further written statement to the House following the recess. In the meantime, the DFID website www.dfid.gov.uk contains regularly updated information.

Natural Disasters

Mike Wood: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much overseas aid the UK has provided to assist relief efforts following natural disasters in each of the last five years.

Hilary Benn: DFID does not keep statistics distinguishing between humanitarian aid provided for natural disasters and humanitarian aid in other contexts centrally; this information could not be obtained without incurring a disproportionate cost. DFID's total humanitarian assistance in the last five years was as follows:
	
		Humanitarian assistance
		
			  Total (£ million) 
		
		
			 1999–2000 314 
			 2000–01 297 
			 2001–02 288 
			 2002–03 374 
			 2003–04(2) 381 
		
	
	(2) Provisional.
	These figures include UK contributions to European Community Humanitarian programmes and UK contributions to UN humanitarian agencies.

Pakistan

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department is taking (a) to encourage democratic reform and (b) to assist in institution-building in Pakistan.

Mr. Gareth Thomas: DFID is working to support improvements to the democratic process in Pakistan, including through initiatives to improve grassroots democracy, the embedding of the recently introduced devolution reforms and extensive capacity-building support for the strengthening of key representative bodies. As part of this, DFID is supporting federal and provincial level programmes of Civil Service Reform and Public Sector Development, as well as targeted support for the Ministries of Finance, Education, and Health and Welfare, the Ministry of Women's Development, Social Welfare and Special Education, Comptroller General of Accounts, National Accountability Bureau, Election Commission of Pakistan and others. DFID is also supporting the Faisalabad District Government to evolve and strengthen district governance systems. DFID is also considering some capacity-building support through civil society to small political parties across the political spectrum.
	Efforts are also being made through civil society to secure greater representation and accountability of the state to its citizens by enhanced awareness of their entitlements and the participation, particularly of women, in decision-making at all levels of devolved government. In the 2001–02 Local government elections, for example, 32,222 women were elected into union councils and 3,827 women to tehsil/town and district councils. In addition, through contesting open elections, 16 women were elected as union council, tehsil or district nazims (mayors).

Sudan

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate he has made of the level of funding the Government will commit to the reconstruction of southern Sudan during the six-year interim period; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: I have allocated £150 million over the next three years for relief and development in Sudan, after a comprehensive peace agreement. DFID expects funding to continue at this level at least for the rest of the interim period and remains fully committed to helping the people of Sudan reach a sustainable peace and eliminate poverty. DFID looks forward to the peace talks reconvening soon.

Tristan da Cunha

Nigel Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the impact on the islanders of Tristan da Cunha of the changes in sailing schedules of the Royal Mail Ship St Helena; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gareth Thomas: In January this year, the St. Helena Government (SHG) decided to end the annual call by the RMS St. Helena at Tristan da Cunha. In reaching its decision, SHG considered the alternative access arrangements available to Tristan da Cunha and the take-up of passenger and freight traffic on the ship during recent voyages. Taking account of alternative shipping links with Tristan, which can offer more competitively priced freight and passenger capacity, the conclusion reached was that the annual call had become of limited economic or practical value.
	Essential physical access arrangements for Tristan will be maintained by other vessels that call there on other business. These include two South African fishing vessels and a South African research ship which, between them, are expected to make 14 visits to Tristan this year.
	The new arrangements for the XRMS St. Helena' will remain under review and further adjustments will be considered in the light of experience. SHG has not ruled out the possibility in future of occasional voyages to Tristan (or the UK) if there were sufficient demand for them.

CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Council of Ministers

Sue Doughty: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs 
	(1)  if he will provide a Written Ministerial Statement outlining the key points on the agenda for each of the Council of Ministers' meetings at which his Department is represented in advance of each meeting;
	(2)  if he will provide a Written Ministerial Statement outlining for each meeting of the Council of Ministers at which his Department is represented as soon as is practicable following that meeting (a) the key items of discussion, (b) the positions of the Government on those items, (c) the key positions taken by other member states that Ministers consider should be noted by hon. Members and (d) any preliminary discussion on the timing and the agenda of the following meeting.

Christopher Leslie: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to her on 13 September by the Foreign Secretary.

Fathers 4 Justice

Keith Vaz: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what plans he has to meet representatives of the Fathers 4 Justice campaign.

Christopher Leslie: None. We recently published a consultation paper "Parental Separation: Children's Needs and Parents' Responsibilities", setting out proposals to improve the outcomes for children where parents separate, and also improve the experiences of their parents through provision of better, more focussed services. We are consulting on these proposals until 1 November 2004. Fathers 4 Justice has been invited to submit a response to this.

Freedom of Information

Julian Lewis: To ask the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the preparedness of Government Departments to fulfil the demands made on them for access to information after the Freedom of Information legislation comes fully into effect in respect of (a) speed and (b) comprehensiveness of reply.

Christopher Leslie: In accordance with Section 85(5)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act, the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs is required annually to lay before Parliament a report on his proposals for bringing fully into force those provisions of the Act which are not yet fully in force.
	The fourth Annual Report on proposals for bringing fully into force those provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 which are not yet fully in force will be laid before both Houses before 30 November 2004. Government Departments' progress on implementation and preparedness for full implementation of the Freedom of Information Act is surveyed annually for inclusion in this Report.
	Additionally, my Department is liaising closely with other Government Departments in preparation for full implementation for the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Judicial Appointments

Keith Vaz: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what judicial appointments the Lord Chancellor made during the summer adjournment of both Houses of Parliament.

Christopher Leslie: The Lord Chancellor made, or recommended to Her Majesty, 322 judicial appointments during the summer adjournment of both Houses of Parliament. I will forward a table detailing the names of those appointed, and the posts they were appointed to the hon. Member, and I will place a copy in the House of Commons Library.

Statute of Limitations

Greg Knight: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs if he will seek to alter the statute of limitations so that where a convicted criminal serving a prison sentence comes into money through whatever lawful means after the limitation period has expired, victims or their relatives may take legal action for recompense irrespective of the length of time that has elapsed since the offence took place.

Christopher Leslie: The government recognises there are concerns about compensation to crime victims or their relatives in these circumstances. We are currently considering a number of options to improve the compensation regime for victims. The civil law on limitation is one of several areas to be considered in this context.

UN Convention

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs, when Jersey and Guernsey will apply the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women; what consultations he has had with the island authorities; what undertakings he has been given on the formulation and enactment of legislation; and whether he has power to extend the convention to the islands in the way they were extended to the Isle of Man.

Christopher Leslie: These conventions both cover areas where the Governments of the Crown Dependencies have domestic competence. I understand that the Insular Authorities in Jersey and Guernsey have both made a commitment to have the necessary legislation in place when it is practicable to do so.
	Once that legislation is in place and the Insular Authorities request the extension of the conventions, that may be done by declaration, in the same way as they were extended to the Isle of Man.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

Crown Prosecution Service

David Taylor: To ask the Solicitor-General what plans there are to review the status of witnesses in the Crown Prosecution Service's decisions on prosecuting cases.

Harriet Harman: Crown Prosecutors apply the principles set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors ("the Code") when they make prosecution decisions.
	Paragraph 6.7 of the Code sets out, "The Crown Prosecution Service prosecutes cases on behalf of the public at large and not just in the interests of any particular individual. However, when considering the public interest test Crown Prosecutors should always take into account the consequences for the victim of the decision whether or not to prosecute, and any views expressed by the victim or victim's family". While this paragraph applies to victims, similar considerations apply to witnesses.
	The Code is currently subject of a review. The review has involved consultation with, among others, victim and witness interest groups.
	The Bar Written Standards for the Conduct of Professional Work prohibits prosecution counsel in trials from interviewing a witness about that or any other witness's evidence. Crown Prosecutors follow this practice in all cases.
	In 2002, the Attorney General asked the Director of Public Prosecutions to consider whether the time had come for prosecutors to interview key witnesses before trial in order to establish the reliability of their evidence. The Crown Prosecution Service conducted a public consultation in 2003. The Attorney General is in the process of considering the responses to that consultation before reaching a final conclusion as to the appropriate way forward.
	The Direct Communications with Victims initiative was successfully rolled out nationally in 2002. Under the scheme, where a charge is discontinued or substantially altered the prosecutors will write to the victim to explain the reasons for the decision. Additionally, a meeting will be offered to explain the decision in cases where a death has occurred, cases of child abuse, sexual offences, racially and religiously aggravated offences and offences with a homophobic or transphobic element.
	The No Witness No Justice project is currently being rolled out nationally in CPS Areas. Under the project police officers will consider the specific needs of witnesses. This information will be passed to a prosecutor and to witness care units operated by police and CPS staff. The witness care units will take such action as is necessary to address the needs of the witness.
	Significant steps have also been made to ensure that vulnerable and intimidated witnesses can give their best evidence when attending court as a witness through the ongoing implementation of special measures.

TREASURY

Hospital Acquired Infection

Tim Loughton: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people who died in the last 12 months had hospital acquired infection attributed as the cause of death on their death certificates.

Stephen Timms: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Tim Loughton, dated 21 September 2004
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many people who died in the last 12 months had hospital acquired infection attributed as the cause of death on their death certificates. (189440).
	It is not possible to give reliable figures on the number of deaths involving hospital-acquired infections from routinely collected mortality data, as information on where the infection was acquired may not be available to the doctor certifying the death.

Immigration

Chris Grayling: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many immigrants he estimates have entered the United Kingdom from the new EU countries since May.

Stephen Timms: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Chris Grayling, dated 23 September 2004
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question regarding estimates for the number of people migrating to the UK from the new EU countries since May 2004. (189534)
	The information requested is not available.
	Estimates of total international migration produced by the Office for National Statistics are compiled from a range of survey and administrative sources on an annual basis. Estimates of people migrating from the EU to the UK are primarily produced from the International Passenger Survey. This survey has a small sample size for the EU accession countries, which results in any estimates being subject to a high degree of error. Consequently, it is our present judgement that we will be unable to release reliable estimates for a single year for the accession countries when the 2004 data are published.

Lisbon Agenda

Graham Brady: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his assessment is of whether the EU has made progress towards achieving the Lisbon Agenda aim of making the EU the world's most competitive economy by 2010 in the last two years.

Stephen Timms: The Treasury published an assessment of the EU's progress towards the Lisbon goals in February 2004, "Advancing Long-term Prosperity: Economic Reform in an Enlarged Europe". That report noted that the EU and the member states had implemented a number of important reforms, but that further action was needed in order to achieve the Lisbon goals by 2010. In September 2004, the Government also published their submission to the High-Level Group headed by Wim Kok and tasked with conducting a mid-term review of the Lisbon strategy. That report described a range of priority areas for reform to deliver a more flexible and outward-looking Europe.

Lisbon Agenda

Keith Vaz: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the Statement of 13 September, Official Report, column 1101, on the Lisbon Agenda, if he will list the 102 benchmarks.

Stephen Timms: A full list of the 102 structural indicator benchmarks against which Member States' economic performance can be assessed is available on the Eurostat website (http://europa.eu.int/comm/eurostat/). alongside the most recent available data.

Lisbon Agenda

Keith Vaz: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the annual Lisbon Agenda score cards will be introduced.

Stephen Timms: In its September 2004 report, "Mid-term review of the Lisbon strategy: UK submission to the high-level group", the Government proposed that an annual Lisbon Scorecard, ranking national performance against a core set of headline economic reform indicators should be prepared each year for the spring European Council. At present, the European Commission compares national economic performance against a range of indicators in its annual report to the spring European Council, highlighting the best and worst three performing member states against individual indicators.

Census Results (Manchester)

Keith Bradley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  how many 18-year-olds were resident in the City of Manchester at the last census;
	(2)  how many 18-year-olds were resident in the Manchester, Withington constituency at the last census.

Stephen Timms: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Keith Bradley, dated 21 September 2004
	As National Statistician and Registrar General for England and Wales I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions asking how many 18 year olds were resident in the City of Manchester and the Manchester Withington Constituency at the last Census. (189459 & 189460)
	Figures from 'Census 2001—Census Area Statistics for Output Areas, Wards and higher administrative geographies in England and Wales' indicate that on Census day (29 April 2001) there were 6,008 18 year olds resident in Manchester Local Authority District, and 915 18 year olds resident in the Manchester, Withington Constituency.
	The 'Census 2001—Census Area Statistics for Output Areas, Wards and higher administrative geographies in England and Wales' DVD is available in the House of Commons Library.
	The 'Census 2001—Census Area Statistics for Parliamentary Constituencies in England and Wales' CD was released on the 16th of September 2004 and is now available in the House of Commons Library.

Civil Service Redundancies

Harold Best: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in which (a) departments and (b) agencies civil service job losses will be made.

Paul Boateng: There will be an overall gross reduction in posts in UK departments of 84,150 by 2008 and departments are pursuing these reductions in line with business need. All relevant departmental reductions were published in the 2004 Spending Review White Paper, which can be accessed via www.hm-treasury.gov.uk

Civil Service Redundancies

Harold Best: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the number of Civil Service jobs that will be lost in (a) Yorkshire, (b) Leeds and (c) Leeds North West following the Spending Review announcement.

Bob Spink: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  which (a) departments, (b) agencies and (c) public bodies will be affected by job losses resulting from his recent announcement in the 2004 Spending Review;
	(2)  how many Civil Service jobs will be lost in Castle Point as a result of the recently announced cuts in Civil Service jobs.

Paul Boateng: There will be an overall gross reduction in posts in UK departments of 84,150 by 2008 and departments are pursuing these reductions in line with business need, consulting all stakeholders including union and staff. Departments will come forward in due course with details of workforce changes once plans are finalised.

Crown Estate's Communication Department

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the staffing costs for the Crown Estate's Communication Department were in each year since 1997.

Stephen Timms: holding answer 13 September 2004
	The information is as follows:
	
		
			  £ 
		
		
			 1996–97 42,000 
			 1997–98 75,000 
			 1998–99 88,000 
			 1999–2000 109,000 
			 2000–01 110,000 
			 2001–02 128,000 
			 2002–03 133,000 
			 2003–04 138,000

Economic Growth

Keith Vaz: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the (a) British and (b) European strategy is for combining economic growth while retaining the priority on social inclusion.

Stephen Timms: The Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report provides an overview of the Government's policies to promote economic growth and social inclusion.
	The Government's approach combines flexibility and fairness, recognising that promoting employment opportunities is central to both economic growth and social inclusion. At the European level, the Lisbon Strategy sets ambitious targets for achieving both economic growth and social inclusion, focussing particularly on employment. The European employment guidelines establish three overarching objectives for Member State action to promote full employment, improve quality and productivity at work, and strengthen social cohesion and inclusion.

Employment and Productivity

Keith Vaz: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures the Government are taking to ensure increased employment and productivity in the UK.

Stephen Timms: The Government is committed to raising the rate of UK productivity growth. The Government's approach is set out in "Productivity in the UK: The Evidence and the Government's Approach" (published alongside the 2000 Pre-Budget Report).
	The Government's strategy for ensuring employment opportunity for all has been set out in successive Budget and Pre-Budget reports.
	The Government reports on steps to increase productivity and employment in every Budget and Pre-Budget Report.

Fair Trade Products

Mike Wood: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what incentives the Treasury offers to British businesses which (a) sell, (b) stock and (c) use fair trade products.

John Healey: The Government are committed to supporting ethical trading wherever possible and through the Department for International Development it provides significant support to the Fairtrade Foundation's efforts in promoting the supply and marketing of Fairtrade products.
	Since 1997 the Government have also introduced a range of tax incentives to benefit business, including cuts in the rates of corporation tax, measures to simplify the administrative burden of VAT and permanent enhanced first year capital allowances for small and medium-sized enterprises.

HM Revenue and Customs Department

Mark Prisk: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to his Answer of 7 September, ref. 187239, what responsibility (a) the Paymaster General and (b) the Economic Secretary will have with regard to the proposed HM Revenue and Customs Department.

Gordon Brown: An updated list of Ministerial Responsibilities has been published on the HM Treasury website. This establishes the Paymaster General as Departmental Minister for HM Revenue and Customs.

Information and Communication Specialists

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many information and communication technology specialists are in full-time employment in the Department.

Stephen Timms: HM Treasury's HR system shows 14 IT specialists are employed in the Department, working in areas such as the central IT helpdesk, the Information Services team, and the HR Information Systems team.

Job Creation (Mitcham and Morden)

Siobhain McDonagh: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many jobs have been created in Mitcham and Morden since 1997.

Stephen Timms: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Siobhain McDonagh, dated 21 September 2004
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about jobs created in Mitcham and Morden. (189338)
	While statistics of new jobs created are not available explicitly, statistics from surveys enable comparisons to be made of net changes, in numbers of jobs, from year to year.
	The attached table shows the information requested, relating to jobs in Mitchem and Morden, for 1997 and the latest year available, 2002.
	
		Number of employees(3) with workplace in Mitchem and Morden parliamentary constituency: 1997 and 2002
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 1997 18,100 
			 2002 22,800 
			   
			 Change from 1997 to 2002(4) 4,700 
		
	
	(3) Employee jobs only, not self-employed jobs.
	(4) The 1997 to 2002 change has been rounded to the nearest hundred separately from rounded levels for 1997 and 2002.
	Source:
	1997: Annual Employment Survey, rescaled. 2002: Annual Business Inquiry.

Tax Credits

Tim Loughton: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many appeals against rulings on tax credits have been lodged in the last 12 months.

Dawn Primarolo: In the twelve months to the end of August 2004, Inland Revenue submitted to the Appeals Service about 1,800 written appeals against tax credit decisions.
	I understand from the Appeals Service that, of these appeals, about 1,500 were heard by a tribunal by the end of August 2004. Others appeals were settled without a tribunal hearing, were withdrawn, struck out, not accepted as duly made or were outstanding.

Taxation of Pensioners

Nicholas Winterton: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of total income tax in the last year for which figures are available was derived from pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the taxation of pensioners.

Dawn Primarolo: I refer the hon. Member to table 3.12 'Income and tax for the elderly, by region and country' and 2.4 'Shares of total income tax liability' on the Inland Revenue website http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/stats/income distribution/table-312–2001–02.xls and http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/stats/income tax/table2–4.xls. From 2004–05, as a result of measures introduced since 1997, including the Pension Credit, the government will be spending around £10 billion more in real terms on pensioners. Around 65 per cent. of pensioners now pay no tax at all or tax at 10 per cent.

Taxation of Pensioners

Nicholas Winterton: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will bring forward proposals to reduce the burden of taxation on pensioners' incomes.

Stephen Timms: Around 65 per cent. of all pensioners pay no tax or tax at 10 per cent. Age-related personal allowances increased from April 2004 in line with earnings from £6,610 to £6,830 for those between 65 and 74, from £6,720 to £6,950 for those over 75. Since April 2004 no pensioner aged 65 or over will pay tax on income of less than £131 a week. Age-related personal allowances rise in line with the rise in average earnings for the remainder of this Parliament.
	Personal tax and benefit changes mean that the average pensioner household is 26 per week better off in 2004–05 than would have been the case under the 1997 system. The poorest third of pensioners are now £33 per week better off.

Taxation of Pensioners

Nicholas Winterton: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the cost to the Exchequer of exempting the state retirement pension from income tax; and if he will exempt the state retirement pension from income tax.

Dawn Primarolo: It would cost around £4 billion to exempt state retirement pension from income tax. These estimates are based upon the 2001–02 Survey of Personal Incomes and are consistent with the Budget 2004 forecasts.

Taxation of Pensioners

Nicholas Winterton: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the cost to the Exchequer of making the first £10,000 of occupational pensions income subject to a taxation rate of 10 per cent.; and if he will make the first £10,000 of occupational income subject to a taxation rate of 10 per cent.

Dawn Primarolo: It would cost around £2 billion to extend the starting rate of income tax to £10,000 for all non-state pensions. It would cost around £19 billion to extend the starting rate of tax to £10,000 for all earned income.
	These estimates are based upon the 2001–02 Survey of Personal Incomes and are consistent with the Budget 2004 forecasts.

US/UK Trade Links

Keith Vaz: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures the Government is taking to deepen its cooperation with the US on trade and investment.

Stephen Timms: The US is our biggest single export market. UK trade with the US is worth around £50 billion (taking exports of goods and services together). In 2003–04 the US was by far the largest investing country in the UK with 314 projects creating 10,668 jobs. The Government in the form of UK Trade and Investment in London and the US, and funding for Regional Development Agencies, is committed to maintaining the UK as the primary destination for US inward investment in Europe.
	The Government is also actively engaged with the Commission, other Member States and stakeholders such as the Transatlantic Business Dialogue to. encourage increased economic cooperation between the ED and the US. The Government welcomes the call at the June 2004 EU-US Summit for stakeholder consultation leading to a new forward-looking strategy to break down remaining barriers to closer cooperation and will participate fully in this process.

LEADER OF THE HOUSE

Civil Service (Job Losses)

Bob Spink: To ask the Leader of the House which services within his Office will be (a) affected by and (b) subject to job losses consequent on the cuts in the civil service announced in the Spending Review.

Peter Hain: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 16 September 2004, Official Report, column 1659W.

Information and Communication Specialists

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Leader of the House how many information and communication technology specialists are in full-time employment in his office.

Phil Woolas: None. The Privy Council Office provides administrative support to the Office of the Leader of the House of Commons. There are currently no full-time or part-time information and communication specialists employed by the Privy Council Office (PCO). ICT services are provided to PCO by the Cabinet Office, under a Service Level Agreement.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Civil Service (Job Losses)

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which services within her Department will be (a) affected by and (b) subject to job losses consequent on the cuts in the civil service announced in the Spending Review.

Richard Caborn: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 16 September 2004, Official Report column 1659W.

Council of Ministers

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 
	(1)  if she will provide a Written Ministerial Statement outlining the key points on the agenda for each of the Council of Ministers' meetings at which her Department is represented in advance of each meeting;
	(2)  if she will provide a Written Ministerial Statement outlining for each meeting of the Council of Ministers at which her Department is represented as soon as is practicable following that meeting (a) the key items of discussion, (b) the positions of the Government on those items, (c) the key positions taken by other member states that Ministers consider should be noted by hon. Members and (d) any preliminary discussion on the timing and the agenda of the following meeting.

Richard Caborn: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary on 13 September 2004, Official Report, column 1451W.

Digital Television

Simon Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much her Department has allocated to digital television switchover (a) in the financial year and (b) for each of the next three financial years.

Estelle Morris: holding answer 16 September 2004
	The Department has to date allocated approximately £380,000 (excluding staff and administrative costs) to digital switchover in the current financial year.
	Decisions have yet to be made on allocations for future years.

English Heritage

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many official meetings she has had with English Heritage in the last 12 months.

Richard Caborn: In the last 12 months my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has had three formal meetings with the Chairman and Chief Executive of English Heritage. The Minister for Heritage has meetings with them on a regular basis, both formally and informally.

English Heritage

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many English Heritage sites she has visited in the last 12 months.

Richard Caborn: The Secretary of State has not had an opportunity to visit any English Heritage sites in the last 12 months, but the Minister for Heritage has visited a number of English Heritage managed sites and visited their East of England regional office.

Freeview Service

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what percentage of the population are able to access Freeview; and what steps she is taking to speed up the availability of Freeview.

Estelle Morris: At present around 73 per cent. of UK households can access Digital Terrestrial Television services. This figure cannot be increased before Switchover.
	The Government are committed to ensuring that at Digital Switchover everyone who can currently get the main public service broadcasting channels in analogue form (BBC1 and 2, ITV, Channel 4/S4C and Five) can receive them on digital systems.
	Much progress has been made in the discussions between the Government, Ofcom and the Public Service Broadcasters and while the broadcasters have not reached a full consensus on the optimum timetable, some—including the BBC—have suggested that 2012 may be the most appropriate date for the completion of Switchover. This has been reflected in the draft Digital Replacement Licences, which Ofcom have issued for Channels 3, 5 and Teletext.

Grade II Listed Buildings

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much was given in grants to Grade II listed buildings in the last financial year.

Richard Caborn: During 2003–04 English Heritage offered £300,000 in grants to Grade II listed buildings.
	English Heritage also offered a further £9.8 million in grants through their Heritage Economic Regeneration schemes, which principally target Grade II and unlisted buildings in conservation areas.

Heritage Economic Regeneration

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on heritage economic regeneration schemes.

Richard Caborn: English Heritage launched its Heritage Economic Regeneration scheme in 1999. Since then some £50 million has been invested in the regeneration of run down and deprived conservation areas. English Heritage has recently reviewed the scheme and it has been renamed Partnership Schemes in Conservation Areas. New applications will now be considered against regional priorities.

Mobile Libraries

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to increase the use of mobile libraries.

Estelle Morris: Mobile libraries are becoming increasingly sophisticated in the services that they can offer, and can be particularly useful in providing access to library services for those in outlying communities, or as an outreach tool to the socially excluded by visiting housing estates, but it is for local authorities responsible for library provision to decide how to allocate funding. We are encouraging authorities to understand better and meet the needs of their local communities.

Princess Diana Memorial Fountain

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether compensation has been paid to those injured at the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain.

Richard Caborn: Compensation has not been paid.

Princess Diana Memorial Fountain

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much public money has been spent on the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain since its opening; and what the projected maintenance costs are for the next 10 years, in real terms.

Richard Caborn: £83,000 has been spent on the fountain since it opened.
	Maintenance costs are expected to be £140,000 in the first year and £118,000 per annum in subsequent years.

Royal Parks

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on security measures in place in the Royal Parks.

Richard Caborn: From 1 April 2004, policing the Royal Parks passed to the Metropolitan police, working alongside the Royal Parks police in the Royal Parks Operational Command Unit (RPOCU). It would be inappropriate to go into detail about their security measures but these are commensurate with the perceived level of threat at any given time.
	The new policing arrangements involve the deployment of Community Support Officers in addition to the police officers and this has made it possible to provide higher visibility policing in the Royal Parks.

Switchco

Simon Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what progress has been made towards the establishment of Switchco.

Estelle Morris: holding answer 16 September 2004
	Discussions are taking place between the Government, broadcasters, and other stakeholders under the Digital Action Plan, on the role and structure of the organisation that will be responsible for co-ordinating Digital Switchover. An announcement will be made on the outcome of these discussions in due course.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Back-To-Work Bonus

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether the back to work bonus of £1,000 is payable to unemployed people starting up their own business.

Maria Eagle: The Back to Work Bonus is payable to all customers aged under 60 in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance or Income Support and in part time work. This includes people who are moving off benefit in order to start their own business.
	To be eligible to apply for a Back to Work Bonus when moving into work that takes them off benefit, a person must have met the qualifying conditions and have been working part time and declaring their earnings. Half of the declared earnings after the appropriate disregard has been applied are accrued. The minimum that can be paid is £5 and the maximum £1,000. The amount the customer receives is dependant on the amount of earnings that has accrued from their part time work.

Jobcentre Plus

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what changes in the number of civil service jobs have arisen from the introduction of Jobcentre Plus offices; and how many jobs have been contracted out to independent service providers;
	(2)  what the refurbishment budget for Jobcentre Plus offices is.

Jane Kennedy: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, David Anderson. He will write to the hon. Member.
	Letter from David Anderson to Mr. Tim Loughton, dated 29 September 2004
	The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has asked me to reply direct to your questions about the changes to the number of Civil Service jobs arising from the introduction of Jobcentre Plus offices, contracting out of jobs, and the costs of the refurbishment programme. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	In our customer-facing offices the number of Civil Service staff has increased as a result of the introduction of the Jobcentre Plus service. This is largely due to the increased advisory activity aimed at helping more customers return to work. For 2003/04 the increase to the headcount was estimated at 4,350, and for 2004/05 a further 1,200. These increases in staff numbers have not resulted in posts being contracted out to independent service providers.
	The budget for the estates refurbishment programme is £550m.
	As you may be aware, on the 16th September 2004, the Secretary of State made a written statement about the impact of the Department for Work and Pensions Efficiency Programme on meeting the government's efficiency challenge. This includes our plans to centralise benefit processing and contact centres.
	I hope this is helpful.

Housing Benefit

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he proposes to update assessed average rental values used in the calculation of entitlement to housing benefit.

Chris Pond: Claims received from those in the private rented sector will generally be referred to the local Rent Officer for a rental valuation to determine the housing benefit claim. The market evidence that is used to compare properties for the purpose of making these valuations is updated on an ongoing basis by the Rent Service.
	In nine pathfinder areas, we are testing a reform of housing benefit for tenants in the private rented sector, called the Local Housing Allowance (LHA). This is a flat-rate allowance based on broadly average market rents in the area for each size of property, and the rates are set by the Rent Officer. Once an LHA rate has been calculated, it will apply to all properties within that particular area and so will not have to be calculated separately for each property. LHA rates are updated monthly in line with any changes to market rents in the area, and are supplied to the relevant local authority. The local authority is then required to publish these figures.

Incapacity Benefit

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many incapacity benefit claimants there are in each (a) county, (b) metropolitan authority, (c) London Borough and (d) unitary authority in England.

Maria Eagle: The information has been placed in the Library.

New Deal (Mitcham and Morden)

Siobhain McDonagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many (a) people, (b) lone parents and (c) people with disabilities in Mitcham and Morden have gained work through the new deal.

Jane Kennedy: The available information is in the table.
	
		New deal in Mitcham and Morden
		
			  People into work though new deal 
		
		
			 Total 2,000 
			 New deal for young people 850 
			 New deal 25-plus 580 
			 New deal for lone parents 460 
			 New deal 50-plus 110 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Information is not available at constituency level for new deal for disabled people and new deal for partners.
	2. All data is to the end of June 2004 apart from new deal 50-plus which is to the end of March 2003 and is the number of new deal 50-plus employment credit starts.
	3. In April 2003, the new deal 50-plus employment credit was replaced by the by the 50 plus element of the working tax credit.
	4. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.
	Source:
	DWP Information and Analysis Directorate.

Pensioners (Mitcham and Morden)

Siobhain McDonagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the average change in income for pensioners in Mitcham and Morden has been from pension credit; and what the total sum paid to pensioners in the constituency in pension credit has been to date.

Malcolm Wicks: The information requested is not available.
	In August 2003 there were 2,500 pensioner households in Mitcham and Morden receiving an average amount of £62.25 a week in Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG).
	This is not directly comparable with an average amount for pension credit since there are differences between pension credit and MIG that are attributable to a variety of factors. Following the introduction of pension credit in October 2003, some elements of the support previously provided through MIG are now provide through local authority funding for people in care homes, and through tax credits for children. In addition, average pension credit awards are expected to be lower than MIG because a savings credit of up to £15.51 (single) or £20.22 (couples) is available for people with modest incomes above the guarantee level who previously received nothing from MIG.
	In August 2004 there were 3,365 pension credit claimants in Mitcham and Morden receiving an average amount of £51.86.
	The total sum of pension credit paid to pensioners in Mitcham and Morden between 6 October 2003 and 31 August 2004 is £7.1 million.

Recycling

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the latest available 12 month figures are for the proportion of the Department's redundant documentation, waste paper and card that is recycled; and if he will make a statement on the Department's recycling policy.

Chris Pond: The latest figures for waste are for 2003–04. The following figures show the total amount of waste generated from DWP offices (where data is available) and the amount of that waste that is recycled. All our recycled waste shown in this table is paper or cardboard, although other currently unmeasured recycling takes place on furniture and fluorescent tubes.
	
		
			  Tonnes 
		
		
			 Total Waste Arisings 25,834 
			 Total Paper/Card Recycled 13,015 
		
	
	The Department is working to reduce the total amount of waste that it produces, by developing Waste Minimisation plans within each area of the business. At the same time, In accordance with its Sustainable Development Policy Statement, the Department is working with our Estates Partner (Land Securities Trillium) to extend existing recycling facilities for paper products, increase recycling of estate based waste, and consider the potential for recycling other waste streams such as plastics and aluminium cans.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Child Care

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what estimate the Government have made of the percentage of GDP the UK has spent on child care provision in each year since 1997.

Margaret Hodge: The latest available data on child care expenditure, reported in the 2004 DfES Department Report and by Sure Start, show that child care expenditure has risen from 0.001 per cent. of GDP in England in 1997–98 to 0.02 per cent. in 2002–03. Expenditure on Early Years services has risen from 0.2 per cent. of GDP in England in 1997–98 to 0.251 per cent. of GDP in 2002–03.

Child Care

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what estimate the Government have made of the number of privately run nurseries in each year since 1997 (a) broken down by region and (b) in St. Helens.

Margaret Hodge: The Department does not collect this information on a regular basis. According to the Childcare and Early Years Workforce Survey for 2003–04 there were 7,700 privately—owned full day care providers in England in 2003 but these are not broken down by region or local authority district.
	Of the 1216 neighbourhood nurseries that are now open, 498 are operated by the private sector—over 40 per cent. The regional breakdown is set out in the table.
	
		
			 Region Number of private neighbourhood nurseries 
		
		
			 East of England 18 
			 East Midlands 42 
			 London 61 
			 North East 67 
			 North West 113 
			 South East 27 
			 South West 32 
			 West Midlands 62 
			 Yorkshire and the Number 76 
		
	
	Nine neighbourhood nurseries have been developed in St. Helens. Of these six are privately-run.

Adult Education (London)

Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what public funding has been spent on adult (a) literacy and (b) numeracy in (i) Greater London and (ii) each London borough in each year since 1997.

Ivan Lewis: The estimated total spend on Skills For Life (the Government's strategy for literacy, language and numeracy needs of all post-16 learners from pre-entry level up to and including level 2) and on Key Skills (essential skills of communication, application of number and information technology), from April 2001 to July 2003, in the London Learning and Skills Council (LSC) areas is set out in the table:
	
		£000
		
			  April 2001 to July 2001(5) August 2001 to July 2002 August 2002 to July 2003 
		
		
			 Learning and Skills Council Area Basic skills Key skills Basic skills Key skills Basic skills Key skills 
			 London North 8,753 985 14,099 1,395 18,829 1,921 
			 London West 13,671 858 24,013 1,629 29,303 1,652 
			 London Central 18,207 1,119 38,694 1,733 38,130 1,204 
			 London East 14,746 1,476 31,412 2,114 39,783 2,367 
			 London South 5,758 998 13,241 1,488 15,398 1,728 
			 Total 61,135 5,436 121,459 8,359 141,443 8,872 
		
	
	(5) The figures for April to July 2001 include costs incurred from August 2000 on learning aims continuing into April 2001.
	From the information available to the LSC it has not been feasible to obtain estimates at borough level or separate figures by subject without incurring disproportionate cost. Likewise it has not been feasible to obtain comparable figures for periods before April 2001 when the Skills for Life strategy was launched and the LSC was formed, but information shows it was considerably less than at present.

Bullying

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether the Department's guidance to schools on its anti-bullying strategy addresses identifying the individual needs of children who are being bullied.

Ivan Lewis: We take all bullying seriously and attach great importance to tackling it. All secondary and middle schools have received a copy of our "Don't Suffer in Silence" guidance and it is available free on request to all others. It sets out a range of strategies for supporting children who are being bullied and recognises that different situations require different responses, in order to meet different needs. The guidance emphasises the importance of tackling all sorts of bullying, including bullying because of race, gender, sexual orientation or disability and highlights the rise in bullying via new technology such as mobile phones.
	The Anti-Bullying Charter for Action not only reinforces existing guidance but also offers suggestions for dealing with bullying via the use of school councils and peer support and by regularly canvassing children's opinion on the nature and extent of bullying. The Anti-Bullying Alliance has been formed, which will give schools support in implementing the charter.

CAFCASS

Theresa May: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the backlog of Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service reports is; and how many children are involved in those cases.

Margaret Hodge: At 31 July 2004 there were 469 unallocated cases requiring private law reports, representing 5.4 per cent. of the CAFCASS caseload. There has been a dip in performance over the summer, but the overall trend has shown improvement. In March 2004 CAFCASS had 272 unallocated cases, representing 3.2 per cent. of the caseload, compared with 365 unallocated cases in March 2003, representing 4.5 per cent. of the caseload.
	At 31 July 2004, there were 287 unallocated public law cases, representing 2.4 per cent. of the caseload. CAFCASS has reduced the backlog considerably; at 31 March 2003 there were 639 unallocated cases, representing 5.1 per cent. of the caseload.
	CAFCASS has two measurements for allocating public law cases:
	Section 31 cases (care and supervision proceedings) should be allocated within two days from receipt of the request. The current target for CAFCASS is to achieve 70 per cent. of allocations within 2 days by March 2005. CFACASS began collecting information on this basis in November 2003, with the introduction of the "Protocol for Judicial Case Management in Public Law Children Act Cases". In November 2003 CAFCASS was allocating 37.3 per cent. of cases within two days. By July 2004, the proportion had risen to 54.4 per cent.
	CAFCASS also has a target to allocate 98 per cent. of all case types within 28 days from receipt of the request. At the end of July 2004, CAFCASS was allocating 93.8 per cent. of cases within 28 days, compared with 79.9 per cent. of cases at the end of April 2003.
	CAFCASS does not keep central statistics about how many children are involved in each case.

Cambodia (Adoption)

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on the suspension of adoption arrangements with Cambodia.

Margaret Hodge: I made a statement to the House on 22 June 2004 announcing my decision to temporarily suspend the adoption of Cambodian children by UK residents. A copy of my statement has been placed in the House of Commons Library for information.
	The temporary suspension was introduced in response to concerns raised by and investigated by officials from the Department for Education and Skills who visited Cambodia, by the British Embassy in Cambodia and, separately, by other relevant stakeholders about the intercountry adoption process in Cambodia.
	As explained in my statement, I believe that the safeguards in the Cambodian adoption system are insufficient to prevent children being adopted without proper consents being given by their birth parents and improper financial gain being made by individuals involved in the adoption process.
	As stated, I intend to review the temporary suspension when the Cambodian Government passes new adoption legislation or if there is another development I consider to be significant, for example if Cambodia were to implement the 1993 Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption.
	Only in exceptional circumstances will I consider that the temporary suspension should not apply in a particular case. Any decision relating to a particular case will of course take account of what is in the best interests of the child and all the facts of the particular case.

Children's Homes

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many children are accommodated in (a) public children's homes, (b) private children's homes and (c) voluntary organisation children's homes.

Margaret Hodge: Data are not collected on the number of children accommodated in children's homes by the individual categories requested. However, the total number of children placed in children's homes at 31 March 2003 was 6,600.
	The term 'children's homes' is defined here as including homes and hostels, secure units, and residential schools that are dual registered as children's homes.

Children's Homes

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the average cost of placement of a 15-year-old in (a) private children's homes and (b) local authority run children's homes was in the last year for which figures are available.

Margaret Hodge: Figures on the average cost of placement of a 15-year-old are not held centrally. The only figures we have available relate to the average cost for all children in children's homes in 2002–03. The average weekly cost of a placement in a private children's home was £1,846 and in a local authority run children's home the average weekly cost was £1,812.

Civil Service (Job Losses)

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills which services within his Department will be (a) affected by and (b) subject to job losses consequent on the cuts in the civil service announced in the Spending Review.

Charles Clarke: I refer the hon. Member to the answer he received from my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 16 May 2004, Official Report, column 1658W.

Class Sizes

John Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans the Government has to set lower statutory number limits for (a) infant, (b) junior and (c) nursery classes.

David Miliband: We have no plans to introduce statutory class size limits for nursery or junior classes, nor do we plan to change the current statutory limit of 30 for infant classes. We introduced the infant class limit because research indicates that restricting infant class sizes to 30 allows teachers to spend more time with individual pupils, and may benefit them in those early years of school when they need to acquire basic skills.

Council of Ministers

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  if he will provide a written ministerial statement outlining the key points on the agenda for each of the Council of Ministers' meetings at which his Department is represented in advance of each meeting;
	(2)  if he will provide a written ministerial statement outlining for each meeting of the Council of Ministers at which his Department is represented as soon as is practicable following that meeting (a) the key items of discussion, (b) the positions of the Government on those items, (c) the key positions taken by other member states that Ministers consider should be noted by hon. Members and (d) any preliminary discussion on the timing and the agenda of the following meeting.

Kim Howells: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on 13 September 2004, Official Report, column 1451.

Departmental Recycling

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the latest available 12 month figures are for the proportion of the Department's redundant documentation, waste paper and card that is recycled; and if he will make a statement on the Department's recycling policy.

Stephen Twigg: Of the total waste generated by my Department during 2003–04 17.7 per cent. of clean paper and cardboard is recycled.
	My Department already has in place a "green housekeeping policy statement". The Waste Management Strategy is being developed in accordance with the Framework for Sustainable Development on the Government estate.

Early-years Teacher Training

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the Government's policy is on the training of early years teachers; and if he will make a statement.

Margaret Hodge: It is a regulatory requirement that a qualified teacher must be involved in early years' education in each maintained setting. It is also set out in Sure Start Unit guidance to local authorities that they should work towards and beyond having one qualified teacher to every ten non-maintained settings. The Sure Start Unit is, therefore, providing the Teacher Training Agency with additional funding to expand the number of primary training places with an early years' specialism. We are also funding local authorities to ensure that all Foundation Stage practitioners, including early years' teachers, receive an average of four days training and development a year.

Education (York)

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many free books have been provided for pre-school children in York.

Margaret Hodge: We do not hold details on the number of free books made available in York. The Sure Start Unit are funding the Bookstart scheme for the year 2004–05 to deliver a bag with two baby books to every six to nine month old baby in England. The pack also includes a booklet explaining how and why it is important to share books with young children, a booklist and an invitation to join the library. On 12 July the Chancellor announced an extension to this scheme to give packs to children at 18 months and three years old. This is in addition to children's access to books through local libraries.

Education Maintenance Allowance

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will propose changes to the education maintenance allowance regulations to allow pupils who by the time they are 15 years old have successfully completed their GCSEs to qualify for education maintenance allowances while continuing their A level education.

Ivan Lewis: I have received a number of representations on this subject. Allowing younger students who have completed their GCSEs to receive EMA is an option we are looking at for future years. In my view there are arguments both for and against such an extension, and I will want to take views from stakeholders in coming to a decision.

Educational Courses

Alan Hurst: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to increase the opportunities for older people to take educational courses which do not lead to a qualification.

Ivan Lewis: Our plans were set out in the White Paper "21st Century Skills; Realising Our Potential" published in July 2003. We are committed to safeguarding a wide range of opportunities for which do not lead to a qualification, including for older people. This is why we have agreed a budget with the Learning and Skills Council of £207.4 million in 2004–05 for adult and community learning secured through local education authorities, compared with £206 million in 2003–04. Over half (51 per cent.) of learners on these courses are aged 55 or over.

English Domiciled Students

Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of English domiciled students in secondary education aged 18 years from each local education authority were accepted through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service to full-time undergraduate courses in each year since 1994–95 for (a) each local education authority and (b) each region.

Kim Howells: The available information is taken from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) and covers 18 year old applicants accepted through UCAS to full-time first degree and HMD courses.
	The participation rates calculated are based upon all 18 year olds, not just those who have been in secondary education. The population numbers are estimates and can be volatile from year to year, hence participation rates should be used only as a guide to the long term trend in participation in a particular area.
	Tables containing the figures have been placed in the House Libraries.

Higher Education (Manchester)

Keith Bradley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many students whose home address is in the City of Manchester went into higher education in (a) 2002–03, (b) 2003–04 and (c) 2004–05.

Kim Howells: The available information from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) covers applicants accepted to full-time undergraduate courses at UK institutions. The latest figures are for entry in 2003.
	
		Applicants domiciled in Manchester LEA, accepted through UCAS to full-time undergraduate courses at UK institutions
		
			 Year of entry Accepted applicants 
		
		
			 2001 2,074 
			 2002 2,214 
			 2003 2,414 
		
	
	Source:
	UCAS

Mathematics

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what content has been removed from the course of study required for mathematics at (a) GCSE level and (b) A level under each examination board since 2001.

Charles Clarke: No content has been removed from the programme of study for maths at GCSE. Following a consultation with maths subject associations and schools, in autumn 2002, there was some alteration to the GCE criteria for the AS Level. Some of the larger topics were moved to A2 (the second year of study for A level) because the consultation revealed that the AS Level was overloaded with content. Maths at AS Level and at A Level remains a rigorous and challenging subject. The changes have been widely welcomed by the maths community.

Minimum Funding Guarantee

John Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  whether it is his policy that a minimum funding guarantee overrides existing fair funding formulae; and if he will make a statement on the Audit Commission's observation to that effect on page 11 of its publication Education Funding;
	(2)  what representations the Department has received from (a) local education authorities and (b) their representative bodies concerning the effect of the minimum funding guarantee on agreed local authority formulae for distributing funds to schools;
	(3)  if he will make a statement on the finding of the Audit Commission study that showed that councils have suspended changes to their formula because they are unclear about the Government's intentions with regard to the minimum funding guarantee.

David Miliband: The minimum funding guarantee that was introduced in 2004–05 has brought stability and certainty to schools budgets. It was considered appropriate to put in place such stability given the funding difficulties experienced by some schools in 2003–04. As a result of the introduction of the minimum funding guarantee two thirds of schools nationally received an increase above the level of the minimum guarantee while the remaining third of schools received a per pupil increase in funding in line with the guarantee.
	The proposals for the minimum funding guarantee (including specifically provisions for exclusions, special cases and small schools) were developed in close consultation with our national partners, including representatives of local authorities and Chief Education Officers. Provision was made in the regulations to enable local education authorities to apply to the Secretary of State to amend the operation of the minimum funding guarantee where there was a clear anomaly in the outcome for individual schools or groups of schools.
	Changes to a local education authority's funding formulae are matters for local discretion provided that they operate within the framework of the regulations. While the Audit Commission reports that some councils have suspended proposed changes to their funding formula, the survey was based on a sample of LEAs and was carried out before the start of the financial year 2004–05. Evidence from other authorities shows that there is no inherent need to suspend changes to formulae as a result of the minimum funding guarantee. Some authorities, in fact, have used the guarantee to provide transitional protection to ensure that such changes are phased in appropriately to ensure stability in school budgets.

Minimum Funding Guarantee

John Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  what approaches have been made by Sefton local education authority to his Department seeking to amend Sefton's formula for the distribution of school funding in the last three years;
	(2)  whether he has objected to proposals from Sefton local education authority to change their formula for the distribution of funds to schools in the last four years; and if he will make a statement.

David Miliband: Under regulation 28 of the Financing of Maintained Schools Regulations, the Secretary of State has power to approve 'additional arrangements' whereby the normal national rules for school funding formulae are set aside in favour of a purpose-built local solution, in circumstances where significantly anomalous results would result from the application of the national rules.
	During the period in question, Sefton local education authority made one application to the Secretary of State for an additional arrangement under regulation 28, in relation to the application of the minimum funding guarantee during the 2004–05 financial year. This application was turned down because it paid insufficient regard to the impact of the minimum funding guarantee on individual schools. The authority was invited to put forward an amended application, but did not do so.

Nurseries

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  how many (a) announced and (b) unannounced inspections of nurseries took place in each of the last five years;
	(2)  how many nurseries were de-registered by Ofsted in each of the last five years;
	(3)  how many complaints about child care providers Ofsted has received in each of the last five years.

Margaret Hodge: These are matters for the Office of Standards in Education (Ofsted) and I have asked HM Chief Inspector for Schools, David Bell, to write to the hon. Gentleman and place a copy of his letter in the Library.

Nurseries

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  how many (a) nurseries and (b) nursery places have been closed in each of the last five years;
	(2)  how many registered nurseries there were in each of the last five years, broken down by those (a) publicly provided, (b) privately provided and (c) provided by the voluntary sector.

Margaret Hodge: The information is not available in the form requested. The available information on the numbers of day nurseries (or full day care providers) and the number of available nursery places in England is shown in the tables.
	With the introduction of the National Day Care Standards and the transfer of responsibilities for registration and inspection to Ofsted, childcare providers are now classified according to whether they are full day care, sessional day care, childminder, out of school day care or creche day care places. Previously, childcare providers were classified according to whether they were day nurseries, playgroups and pre-schools, childminders, out of school clubs or holiday schemes. Therefore, figures for 2003 and 2004 are not directly comparable with figures for earlier years because they are collected on a different basis.
	The latest statistics on the number of full day care providers registered in England were published on 22 July 2004 in a report by Ofsted "Registered Childcare Providers and Places in England, 30 June 2004". The report is available on the Ofsted web-site, www.ofsted.gov.uk/publications.
	
		Number of day nurseries and places(6) in England 1999 to 2001
		
			 Position as at March 31 Number of day nurseries (7) Number of places in day nurseries (7) 
		
		
			 2002 (8)— (8)— 
			 2001 7,800 285,100 
			 2000 7,500 264,200 
			 1999 7,000 247,700 
		
	
	(6) Figures have been rounded to the nearest 100.
	(7) Figures derived from local authority estimates reported on the Day Care Facilities Survey.
	(8) Information not available.
	
		Number of registered full day care providers and places(9) in England 2003–04
		
			 Position as at March 31 Number of registered full day care providers (10) Number of places in registered full day care providers (10) 
		
		
			 2004 11,000 456,300 
			 2003 9,600 381,600 
		
	
	(9) Figures have been rounded to the nearest 100.
	(10) Data supplied by Ofsted.
	The Department does not collect information on the ownership and management of full day care providers on a regular basis. However, according to the Childcare and Early Years Workforce Survey for 2002–03 there were around three quarters of full day care providers who were privately-owned and one in ten who were being run by a voluntary, church or community group in England in 2003. The remainder were run by either the local authority, school/college or by some other form of provider. The figures from this Survey were published in a report by Sure Start in May 2004 "2002–03 Childcare and Early Years Workforce Survey: Day Nurseries and other Full-day Care provision". The report is available on the Sure Start web-site, www.surestart/ensurequality/research/earlyyears/workforce/.

Pre-school Education

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the Government's policy is on implementing the recommendations of the Effective Provision of Pre-School Education project; and if he will make a statement.

Margaret Hodge: The Effective Provision of Pre-School Education (EPPE) project was commissioned by the Department for Education and Skills in 1997 to provide evidence on which the Government could base their development of good quality early years services. The project has already produced a number of significant findings which have informed or supported policy. These include:
	early education produces better effects in small bursts over a long period. This confirms the benefits of our offer of a free part-time early education place for all three and four-year-olds;
	the effects of early years provision are greatest and most sustained for disadvantaged children, hence our focus on targeted improvement of services through Sure Start Local Programmes, Children's Centres and other initiatives. Children's Centres will cover all the 20 per cent. most deprived wards by 2008;
	an early start at pre-school (under three years) was linked with better intellectual attainment and children having better relationships with other children (peer sociability) at age three years. We have also recently announced that we will pilot early education for 12,000 disadvantaged two-year-olds;
	integrated services produce better cognitive outcomes for children, and we are now building on the lessons of Early Excellence Centres and Sure Start Local Programmes, in our multi agency Children's Centres, and in extended schools;
	qualified teacher involvement is important to improved outcomes, and we now require teacher input as part of the Children's Centre core offer, and
	the home environment and parents have a major impact on children's development, and early years services are more effective when working closely with parents. There is a strong emphasis on parental involvement in Sure Start programmes.

Protection of Children Act

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many names are on the Protection of Children Act list; and how many names have been added in each month since its inception.

Margaret Hodge: As of 22 September 2004, there are a total of 1,072 individuals confirmed on the Protection of Children Act List. Under the Protection of Children Act 1999 an individual can be provisionally included on the list until sufficient information has been gathered which enables a final decision. A breakdown of the number of individuals added to the List, following their period of provisional inclusion, in each of the last 12 months is shown in the following table. This information was not routinely collected before July 2003.
	
		
			 Month Number of cases 
		
		
			 July 2003 8 
			 August 2003 5 
			 September 2003 0 
			 October 2003 0 
			 November 2003 5 
			 December 2003 4 
			 January 2004 5 
			 February 2004 24 
			 March 2004 9 
			 April 2004 0 
			 May 2004 8 
			 June 2004 15 
			 July 2004 17 
			 Aug 2004 6 
			 Sept 2004 2

Pupil Exclusions

Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many (a) primary and (b) secondary pupils on average were (i) permanently excluded from school and (ii) unable to access a place in school in each of the last five years in (A) Greater London, (B) each London local education authority and (C) England.

Stephen Twigg: Requested information on the number and percentage of excluded pupils is given in the tables.
	We do not hold information centrally on the numbers of excluded pupils unable to access a place in school. However, from September 2002 all local education authorities (LEAs) have been committed to providing suitable full-time education for permanently excluded pupils from the sixteenth day of their exclusion. Since then all but a handful of LEAs have met this commitment. Currently only two LEAs are not meeting it and the Department is working with them to help them achieve it.
	
		Maintained primary schools(11): Number and percentage of permanently excluded pupils by Local Education Authority area 1998/99 to 2002/03 (provisional)(12) 
		
			   1998/99 1999/2000 2000/01 2001/02 2002/03(p) 
			   Number % (13) Number % (13) Number % (13) Number % (13) Number % (13) 
		
		
			  England 1,370 0.03 1,230 0.03 1,440 0.03 1,450 0.03 1,300 0.03 
			  London 250 0.04 170 0.03 200 0.03 210 0.03 180 0.03 
			  Inner London 110 0.05 80 0.03 80 0.04 80 0.03 60 0.03 
			 202 Camden * 0.03 * 0.02 10 0.09 * 0.02 10 0.07 
			 201 City of London 0 0.00 * 0.45 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 
			 204 Hackney 10 0.07 10 0.03 10 0.05 10 0.05 10 0.03 
			 205 Hammersmith and Fulham * 0.04 * 0.04 10 0.07 * 0.02 0 0.00 
			 309 Haringey 10 0.05 10 0.03 * 0.01 10 0.02 * 0.01 
			 206 Islington 10 0.05 * 0.01 0 0.00 0 0.00 * 0.01 
			 207 Kensington and Chelsea 10 0.10 10 0.07 * 0.04 * 0.04 0 0.00 
			 208 Lambeth 10 0.05 10 0.06 10 0.05 10 0.05 10 0.05 
			 209 Lewisham 10 0.06 20 0.07 10 0.05 10 0.06 10 0.04 
			 316 Newham 10 0.05 10 0.03 10 0.03 10 0.04 10 0.02 
			 210 Southwark 10 0.05 10 0.03 20 0.06 10 0.06 10 0.05 
			 211 Tower Hamlets * 0.00 * 0.00 * 0.00 * 0.00 * 0.00 
			 212 Wandsworth 10 0.06 10 0.03 * 0.02 10 0.05 * 0.01 
			 213 Westminster * 0.02 * 0.02 * 0.02 * 0.01 10 0.05 
			  Outer London 140 0.03 90 0.02 120 0.03 130 0.03 120 0.03 
			 301 Barking and Dagenham 10 0.07 10 0.04 10 0.05 10 0.05 * 0.02 
			 302 Barnet 10 0.02 10 0.02 * 0.02 * 0.01 10 0.02 
			 303 Bexley 20 0.08 10 0.02 20 0.07 10 0.05 10 0.06 
			 304 Brent 10 0.03 10 0.04 10 0.02 * 0.01 * 0.02 
			 305 Bromley 10 0.02 * 0.01 10 0.03 10 0.02 10 0.04 
			 306 Croydon 20 0.05 10 0.02 20 0.05 30 0.08 20 0.07 
			 307 Ealing 10 0.02 * 0.01 * 0.01 * 0.01 10 0.02 
			 308 Enfield 10 0.02 * 0.01 10 0.02 10 0.02 10 0.02 
			 203 Greenwich 20 0.08 10 0.03 10 0.05 20 0.09 10 0.03 
			 310 Harrow 10 0.04 10 0.02 10 0.05 10 0.03 10 0.06 
			 311 Havering * 0.01 n 0.00 * 0.01 * 0.01 * 0.01 
			 312 Hillingdon * 0.02 * 0.02 20 0.06 10 0.03 10 0.03 
			 313 Hounslow * 0.02 10 0.04 * 0.02 10 0.04 * 0.02 
			 314 Kingston upon Thames * 0.01 * 0.01 * 0.01 * 0.01 * 0.01 
			 315 Merton 10 0.03 10 0.04 * 0.03 * 0.02 0 0.00 
			 317 Redbridge 10 0.03 * 0.02 * 0.01 * 0.01 10 0.03 
			 318 Richmond upon Thames * 0.01 * 0.01 * 0.01 * 0.02 * 0.02 
			 319 Sutton 10 0.05 0 0.00 * 0.01 * 0.01 0 0.00 
			 320 Waltham Forest 10 0.04 10 0.05 0 0.00 10 0.03 * 0.02 
		
	
	
		Maintained primary schools(11): Number and percentage of permanently excluded pupils by Local Education Authority area 1998/99 to 2002/03 (provisional)(12) 
		
			   1998/99 1999/2000 2000/01 2001/02 2002/03(p) 
			   Number % (13) Number % (13) Number % (13) Number % (13) Number % (13) 
		
		
			  England 8,640 0.28 6,710 0.21 7,310 0.23 7,740 0.24 7,690 0.23 
			  London 1.470 0.38 1,070 0.27 1.200 0.29 1,200 0.29 1,260 0.30 
			  Inner London 500 0.41 410 0.33 430 0.34 390 0.30 390 0.30 
			 202 Camden 20 0.22 20 0.15 20 0.20 20 0.22 20 0.23 
			 201 City of London n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 
			 204 Hackney 20 0.24 20 0.28 20 0.27 20 0.26 20 0.25 
			 205 Hammersmith and Fulham 40 0.68 20 0.25 30 0.46 30 0.47 30 0.44 
			 309 Haringey 30 0.28 20 0.16 30 0.25 30 0.24 30 0.27 
			 206 Islington 30 0.37 20 0.24 20 0.25 10 0.16 20 0.22 
			 207 Kensington and Chelsea 20 0.57 20 0.53 10 0.35 10 0.25 20 0.42 
			 208 Lambeth 30 0.39 20 0.22 20 0.33 30 0.40 20 0.30 
			 209 Lewisham 50 0.43 50 0.45 70 0.60 50 0.44 30 0.29 
			 316 Newham 40 0.24 30 0.15 30 0.16 40 0.21 60 0.31 
			 210 Southwark 90 0.98 60 0.59 50 0.44 30 0.29 30 0.30 
			 211 Tower Hamlets 30 0.20 30 0.22 40 0.31 40 0.26 40 0.29 
			 212 Wandsworth 60 0.63 80 0.84 60 0.58 50 0.49 40 0.36 
			 213 Westminster 40 0.49 40 0.46 30 0.34 30 0.32 30 0.36 
			  Outer London 970 0.37 660 0.24 770 0.27 810 0.29 870 0.30 
			 301 Barking and Dagenham 30 0.24 20 0.22 10 0.09 10 0.12 30 0.22 
			 302 Barnet 40 0.18 50 0.24 50 0.24 50 0.24 40 0.20 
			 303 Bexley 40 0.26 20 0.13 60 0.33 50 0.25 60 0.32 
			 304 Brent 70 0.49 50 0.33 40 0.28 30 0.23 50 0.31 
			 305 Bromley 80 0.39 20 0.12 50 0.25 80 0.37 70 0.30 
			 306 Croydon 110 0.67 80 0.45 100 0.58 110 0.62 100 0.54 
			 307 Ealing 70 0.47 20 0.16 30 0.19 60 0.38 50 0.33 
			 308 Enfield 70 0.36 70 0.34 70 0.32 60 0.31 50 0.22 
			 203 Greenwich 60 0.44 40 0.26 30 0.20 30 0.22 40 0.29 
			 310 Harrow 30 0.40 30 0.39 60 0.65 60 0.70 60 0.62 
			 311 Havering 40 0.26 30 0.21 30 0.19 40 0.26 30 0.20 
			 312 Hillingdon 60 0.39 40 0.24 50 0.28 40 0.21 40 0.24 
			 313 Hounslow 60 0.39 40 0.27 40 0.25 50 0.31 70 0.43 
			 314 Kingston upon Thames 20 0.29 20 0.18 10 0.08 * 0.02 * 0.04 
			 315 Merton 20 0.25 20 0.21 30 0.35 20 0.24 40 0.41 
			 317 Redbridge 30 0.19 20 0.12 20 0.12 30 0.16 60 0.30 
			 318 Richmond upon Thames 40 0.57 20 0.32 30 0.40 30 0.34 50 0.64 
			 319 Sutton 30 0.22 20 0.14 20 0.16 30 0.23 10 0.09 
			 320 Waltham Forest 70 0.60 40 0.30 50 0.36 20 0.18 30 0.23 
		
	
	(p) =provisional.
	n/a=Not applicable.
	*=less than 5.
	(11) Includes middle schools as deemed.
	(12) Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. There may be discrepancies between the sum of constituent items and the totals as shown.
	(13) The number of permanent exclusions expressed as a percentage of the number (headcount) of pupils, excluding dually registered pupils.
	(14) Before local government reorganisation.
	(15) After local government reorganisation.
	Source:
	Annual Schools Census.

School Furniture

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what representations he has received in favour of commissioning research into the possible relationship between back pain and school furniture as the part of its plan to refurbish every secondary school in the next 15 years; and what plans he has to commission such research.

Ivan Lewis: There has been no formal representation made to the Department since the announcement of the Building Schools for the Future programme regarding a possible relationship between back pain and school furniture. However, informal discussions have been held with the National Back Pain Association in the recent past and we are aware of that organisation's concerns in this regard. The Department has no plans to commission research on this issue but is developing an ergonomic website which will allow teachers and building professionals to determine the correct size of furniture for a particular pupil, supported by child size data gathered recently by a survey jointly funded by the Department.

Special Schools

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will issue guidance that pupils with emotional and behavioural difficulties should not be sent to moderate learning difficulties special schools.

Ivan Lewis: The Special Educational Needs Code of Practice gives guidance to local education authorities on carrying out their statutory duties for identifying, assessing and making provision for children with special educational needs, including those who have behaviour, social and emotional needs. The Code of Practice makes clear that local education authorities must make decisions about the placement of children with statements of SEN on an individual basis, taking account of parental preference.

Stable Families

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps the Government are taking to promote stable families.

Margaret Hodge: We believe that all children deserve the chance to grow up in a stable loving family, and we are increasing the support available to families who want it. We know that poverty places great stress on families and can be a major contributing factor to family breakdown. There are around 500,000 fewer children living in relative poverty than there were in 1997, and there have been significant increases in child benefit, and more generous support through new tax credits. We have also introduced the biggest ever package of legal changes to help working parents balance work and family, including the right to request flexible working—for fathers, as well as mothers and over one million people are now taking this up.
	The Every Child Matters Green Paper put supporting parents and carers at the heart of our approach to ensure that every child reaches their full potential in life. Through the development of Sure Start, Children's Centres and Extended Schools we are now bringing together support for all children and families in a more integrated way. We are expanding the Children's Centre programme to create 2500 centres by 2008.
	Every Child Matters also highlighted the role of relationship counselling and family mediation services. Current arrangements are being amalgamated to form a new Strengthening Families Grant programme to fund voluntary and community sector organisations providing relationship support. A family focused, single grant programme will help to promote stable families. However, the Government recognises that some relationships will inevitably break down and the recently published Parental Separation: "Children's Needs and Parents' Responsibilities" Green Paper details a range of measures to provide more effective support to families in relation to contact and residence after divorce and separation.
	Although Governments cannot create stable families, we believe that these—and other—measures are playing a valuable role in supporting families.

Sure Start (Tamworth)

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what funding has been allocated to the Tamworth constituency under the Sure Start scheme since its inception.

Margaret Hodge: Sure Start Tamworth is a round four Sure Start programme. It has an indicative capital allocation of £1,000,000. Its revenue allocation is £599,000 for 2003–04 and £613,975 for 2004–05.
	Under the neighbourhood nurseries scheme, the Manna House Neighbourhood Nursery in Tamworth received £151,200 revenue grant and £58,780 NOF funding for capital.

Teacher Recruitment

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many new teachers were recruited in (a) 1997, (b) 2000 and (c) 2003.

David Miliband: The number of new recruits to initial teacher training in England in those years was as follows:
	
		
			 Academic year Recruits(16) 
		
		
			 1997/98 27,810 
			 2000/01 29,510 
			 2003/04 41,090 
		
	
	(16) Includes conventional (PGCE/BEd) and employment-based training routes.
	Source:
	Teacher Training Agency
	The numbers of teachers taking up posts for the first time in maintained schools in England in the 1997–98 and 2000–01 financial years were as follows. Data for 2003–04 are not yet available:
	
		
			 Financial Year New entrants to teaching (17) 
		
		
			 1997/98 27,420 
			 2000/01 28,150 
		
	
	(17) 10–20 per cent. of part-time teachers may not be included in the data.
	Source:
	Database of Teacher Records.

Teacher Salaries

Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the average total salary was in each year since 1997 of (a) a primary school teacher and (b) a secondary school teacher in (i) Greater London, (ii) each London local education authority and (iii) England.

David Miliband: The following table gives the average total salary for full-time regular qualified teachers in the maintained nursery and primary and secondary sectors in each London local education authority, Greater London and England in each year from 1997. 2002 is the most recent information available. The figures include all allowances and cover all grades.
	
		Nursery and Primary Schools
		
			  1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 
		
		
			 City of London 24,960 24,290 25,950 25,900 27,780 29,540 
			 Camden 24,640 25,590 26,810 27,820 29,760 31,920 
			 Greenwich 24,510 25,110 26,200 27,250 28,550 31,190 
			 Hackney 23,950 26,310 26,580 27,580 26,990 30,910 
			 Hammersmith 23,620 24,170 25,060 26,440 28,190 30,220 
			 Islington 24,400 24,770 25,860 26,970 28,710 30,360 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 25,850 27,400 29,620 30,840 33,440 n/a 
			 Lambeth 24,400 24,010 26,560 27,210 27,610 29,770 
			 Lewisham 24,610 25,380 26,580 27,440 29,360 31,780 
			 Southwark 24,340 24,850 25,860 27,230 29,050 31,330 
			 Tower Hamlets 25,870 25,560 26,440 27,590 29,200 31,850 
			 Wandsworth 24,190 24,840 25,650 26,540 28,270 30,280 
			 Westminster 24,230 24,960 25,490 26,680 28,100 30,370 
			 Barking 23,370 24,150 25,240 26,010 28,100 30,820 
			 Barnet 22,930 23,680 24,610 25,640 27,460 29,140 
			 Bexley 22,600 23,430 24,270 25,000 26,520 28,400 
			 Brent 25,070 25,360 26,300 27,410 29,480 31,970 
			 Bromley 23,470 24,130 25,090 26,080 27,710 29,520 
			 Croydon 22,830 23,570 24,440 25,520 28,330 30,400 
			 Ealing 23,530 24,260 25,300 26,110 27,880 30,140 
			 Enfield 23,250 23,870 24,820 25,710 27,280 29,680 
			 Haringey 24,330 24,880 25,820 26,720 28,550 30,780 
			 Harrow 23,650 24,090 25,060 25,960 27,750 29,600 
			 Havering 22,740 23,590 24,610 25,810 27,500 29,410 
			 Hillingdon 22,400 23,050 24,110 24,800 26,410 28,740 
			 Hounslow 22,790 23,570 24,690 25,620 27,230 29,090 
			 Kingston upon Thames 23,020 23,590 24,540 25,420 26,480 29,920 
			 Merton 24,140 24,670 25,640 26,640 28,100 30,000 
			 Newham 23,430 24,280 25,080 26,120 27,700 30,390 
			 Redbridge 22,820 23,480 24,220 25,210 27,270 29,030 
			 Richmond upon Thames 22,870 23,710 24,740 25,450 26,950 28,730 
			 Sutton 22,740 23,270 24,370 25,360 27,060 29,430 
			 Waltham Forest 23,300 23.970 24,920 26,030 28,090 30,370 
			
			 Greater London 23,670 24,310 25,320 26,280 27,950 30,170 
			
			 England 22,090 22,700 23,580 24,550 26,190 27,580 
		
	
	
		Secondary schools
		
			  1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 
		
		
			 City of London n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 
			 Camden 26,210 27,260 28,530 29,690 31,750 34,260 
			 Greenwich 25,780 26,410 27,180 28,200 29,600 32,580 
			 Hackney 25,310 28,100 28,320 29,370 29,040 32,350 
			 Hammersmith 26,610 27,540 28,690 29,900 32,570 35,170 
			 Islington 25,320 26,220 27,800 28,780 30,490 32,730 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 27,590 28,750 29,880 30,810 33,580 33,600 
			 Lambeth 25,920 26,040 28,350 29,210 30,160 33,470 
			 Lewisham 26,800 27,070 28,400 29,380 31,390 34,010 
			 Southwark 26,300 27,010 27,860 29,580 31,820 34,920 
			 Tower Hamlets 26,980 26,970 28,000 29,090 30,820 34,430 
			 Wandsworth 25,880 26,540 27,370 28,200 30,590 32,950 
			 Westminster 25,550 26,060 27,000 28,210 29,370 32,600 
			 Barking 24,820 25,560 26,740 27,750 30,390 32,820 
			 Barnet 24,300 25,060 26,060 27,090 29,240 31,090 
			 Bexley 24,500 25,100 25,890 26,740 28,610 30,580 
			 Brent 26,300 26,980 27,860 28,920 n/a n/a 
			 Bromley 24,480 25,190 26,100 27,160 29,100 31,160 
			 Croydon 24,700 25,160 26,260 27,500 28,860 32,410 
			 Ealing 24,840 25,580 26,480 27,670 29,820 32,390 
			 Enfield 24,700 25,230 26,290 27,430 29,470 n/a 
			 Haringey 25,500 26,280 27,190 28,490 31,010 33,170 
			 Harrow 24,980 25,600 26,550 27,640 29,890 32,460 
			 Havering 24,890 25,600 26,610 27,730 30,190 32,590 
			 Hillingdon 24,650 25,310 26,450 27,330 29,460 31,750 
			 Hounslow 23,960 24,840 25,870 27,100 28,880 31,110 
			 Kingston upon Thames 24,800 25,310 26,350 27,300 n/a 31,380 
			 Merton 25,690 26,190 27,070 28,140 30,730 33,050 
			 Newham 25,000 25,660 26,800 28,020 30,280 32,990 
			 Redbridge 24,650 25,410 26,350 27,380 29,880 31,820 
			 Richmond upon Thames 24,220 24,940 25,990 27,310 29,580 31,230 
			 Sutton 24,450 25,200 26,210 27,040 28,550 31,130 
			 Waltham Forest 24,630 25,280 26,460 27,560 29,790 32,090 
			
			 Greater London 25,150 25,840 26,870 27,950 29,930 32,430 
			
			 England 23,510 24,170 25,080 26,010 28,000 29,530 
		
	
	n/a = Not available.
	Source:
	Database of Teachers' Records (DTR).

University Bursaries

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what support from university bursary schemes has been proposed for students from families with joint incomes above (a) £22,500 and (b) £33,533; which universities offer such support; and if he will estimate (i) the number of students likely to be helped and (ii) the total value of such help in the next three years.

Kim Howells: The level of bursary and other financial support and the criteria for eligibility, will be a matter for the universities themselves to decide how to implement and operate, subject to approval by the Director of Fair Access to Higher Education. We expect institutions that wish to charge higher fees from 2006 to draw up their access plans, including details of bursary and other financial support, this autumn.
	I have also commissioned Sir Alan Langlands to oversee a report on how the public sector and the professions can sustain and improve recruitment opportunities for graduates, especially those who do not qualify for the full £3,000 support.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

High Hedges

Mike Wood: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he will issue guidance to local authorities in respect of provisions to address problems with high hedges contained in the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003.

Phil Hope: Draft guidance to local authorities on dealing with complaints about high hedges under the provisions in Part 8 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 was issued for public consultation on 29 March. The consultation closed on 30 June and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is now finalising the guidance and other operational details before bringing this Part of the Act into effect. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister expects this will be towards the end of 2004.

Town Centre Regeneration

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister 
	(1)  how much has been given in grants to redevelop town centres in the last 12 months;
	(2)  if he will make a statement on funding for regeneration of town centres.

Keith Hill: This Government are fully committed to ensuring the regeneration of our town and city centres. It is a vital element in meeting a wide range of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's objectives, including the development of sustainable communities.
	There are no statistics held centrally as to how much has been given in grants to redevelop town centres. This could be provided only at disproportionate cost. While it is not clear as to the exact proportion that is spent on town centres specifically, in the current financial year (2004–05) nearly £3.27 billion of Government funding has been allocated to regeneration programmes of all kinds. This is due to increase to £3.55 billion in 2005–06.
	Funding for town and city centre regeneration can be secured from a wide range of different sources, and is being carried out through partnership working across central and local government, regeneration agencies and local stakeholders. The nature of local economic growth and the development of town and city centres requires local authorities to determine local policies which meet the specific needs of their area. To do so they need to develop their own strategies and prioritise resources, which will vary in each case.
	Funding for the regeneration of town and city centres can be secured from sources including the Single Regeneration Budget, European Regional Development Fund and European Social Fund, the lottery, New Deal for Communities, Regional Development Agencies, English Partnerships, Urban Regeneration Companies, local government, Business Improvement Districts, section 106 agreements, and private sector funding.

Town Centre Regeneration

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on future plans for the regeneration of (a) the London borough of Havering and (b) Romford town centre.

Phil Hope: Government plans for Havering include an investment of £6 million to improve the public transport interchange at Rainham station through the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's Thames Gateway Programme. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is also supporting the opening up of Rainham Marshes, providing £2 million to enable the public to have improved access to the Marshes.
	Future plans include proposals for Havering Riverside, which is identified as a major location for growth in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's "Creating Sustainable Communities" (published July 2003) and is an Opportunity Area in the London Plan. The regeneration strategy will be taken forward by the Mayor, the London Borough of Havering and the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation through the East London sub-regional development framework.
	The London Plan sets the framework for the scale of growth of Romford within London and the east London sub-region. The Mayor of London's sub regional development framework, currently in preparation, will also address the issue of regeneration in Romford. However, the main vehicle for bringing forward detailed proposals is the review of the Unitary Development Plan.

Town Centre Regeneration

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the implications for revitalising town and city centres of the Government's plans to build more new and affordable homes.

Keith Hill: No specific assessment has been made of the implications for revitalising town and city centres of the Government's plans to build more new and affordable homes.
	However, there is considerable evidence of urban renaissance in towns and cities across the country, and much of this recent investment has included residential development.
	Major mixed use developments like the new Bull Ring in Birmingham, and investment in new or improved civic squares, high quality architecture like the Lowry Centre in Salford, the Urbis Building in Manchester, the Winter Gardens in Sheffield and the Newcastle-Gateshead Millennium Bridge, have played a key role in encouraging population growth in town and city centres.
	For example, Manchester's city centre population rose from under 1,000 in 1991 to over 15,000 today. Liverpool's has increased from 2,300 to more than 9,000 over the same period. Birmingham, Leeds and Bristol have experienced similar growth.
	In short, revitalising town and city centres is a vital element in delivering the government's housing plans.

Town Centre Regeneration

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the impact of the Government's Sustainable Communities Plan on town centres which are not included in the Plan, with particular reference to Romford.

Phil Hope: "Sustainable Communities: building for the future" is a policy document, which identifies growth areas, including Thames Gateway, but also refers to growth across London. Proposals in "Sustainable Communities" have to be tested through the normal regional and local plan making process, and any specific proposals for development would be the subject of planning applications. The impact of the proposals, including any impact on nearby town centres, would be considered through these processes.

Town Centre Regeneration

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on regeneration of town centres in London.

Keith Hill: Government policy, set out in Planning Policy Guidance Note 6 (Town Centres and Retail Development) seeks to encourage regeneration of town centres.
	Within London, policy on the regeneration of town centres is principally a matter for the Mayor of London and the London boroughs. The London Plan sets out the general policy of promoting the strategic importance of London's town centres in accommodating economic growth, meeting the needs of Londoners and improving the sustainability of London's development. It also seeks to ensure that there is a robust strategy for each town centre taking account of the relationship with nearby centres. The local development frameworks to be prepared by the London boroughs will ensure that there is full community involvement in the development of regeneration proposals and are intended to promote a positive approach to managing development.

Brownfield/Greenfield Land

Llew Smith: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what his estimate is of the area of (a) brownfield land and (b) greenfield land that will be used to deliver his Department's household projections in England by 2021 published on 8 September.

Keith Hill: The Government do not make estimates of land required to deliver household projections as it is the responsibility of Regional Planning Bodies and Local Planning Authorities to consider the amount of land needed for housing. However, the Government are committed to maximising the re-use of brownfield land. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister set a target that by 2008, 60 per cent. of additional housing should be provided on previously-developed land and through conversions of existing buildings. In 2002 the actual proportion was 66 per cent.
	The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 requires Regional Planning Bodies to prepare statutory Regional Spatial Strategies, replacing existing Regional Planning Guidance. These strategies will be required to identify the amount and distribution of housing in each region having regard to the Government's latest published household projections and national planning policy for housing as set out in PPG3. They will also need to consider other factors including the needs of the regional economy, environmental implications and the capacity of urban areas and existing or planned infrastructure to accommodate new housing.
	Where the amount and location of previously-developed land varies across regions, Regional Planning Bodies and Local Planning Authorities are expected to work together to focus new housing in areas where previously-developed land is available in preference to developing greenfield sites. They should set out in their Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Frameworks targets for land recycling which contribute to the national target.

Castle Point Borough Council

Bob Spink: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the objectives are of the head official from his Department who has been placed with Castle Point borough council.

Nick Raynsford: The objectives of the lead official who has been appointed to Castle Point borough council are to advise Ministers on the capability and capacity of the council to achieve sustained recovery following their assessment as 'poor' under the Comprehensive Performance Assessment and to monitor the implementation of the authority's recovery plan.

Castle Point Borough Council

Bob Spink: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many hours per week will be spent in Castle Point borough council by the head official from his Department (a) within the council and (b) on the council's business.

Nick Raynsford: The lead official has no fixed number of hours per week to work with Castle Point borough council, but will spend such time as is necessary to form a view on the council's prospects for recovery and to monitor its rate of progress. This will include time spent at the council's offices in discussion with members and officers.

Civil Service (Job Losses)

Bob Spink: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister which services within his Office will be (a) affected by and (b) subject to job losses consequent on the cuts in the Civil Service announced in the Spending Review.

Phil Hope: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Member for Brent, South (Paul Boateng) on 16 September 2004, Official Report, column 1659W.

Compulsory Purchase Orders

Mike Wood: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many compulsory purchase orders have been (a) initiated, (b) successfully completed and (c) completed at the initial price in the last two years; and what the most common obstacles for completion of such orders are.

Keith Hill: This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Failing Councils

Bob Spink: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what criteria he considers in deciding whether to place a district or borough council which is judged as failing under administrative control; and if he will list the councils where this (a) has taken place and (b) is under consideration.

Nick Raynsford: The Government's powers to intervene in the manner in which a local authority exercises its functions are set out in section 15 of the Local Government Act 1999 and may be used where the Secretary of State, my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister is satisfied that the authority in question is failing to meet its statutory duty to achieve best value, as set out at section 3 of the same Act.
	The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has so far used these powers on two occasions; in respect of the London Borough of Hackney, in 2001; and in respect of Kingston-upon-Hull council, in 2003.

Market Towns

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many visits he has made to market towns over the past 12 months.

Phil Hope: In the last twelve months my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister has visited a number of market towns on departmental business including market Warsop, Bingley, Kendal and Harrogate.

Millennium Dome

Bob Spink: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many people are employed on the Millennium Dome project; and what the total wage bill is for this financial year.

Keith Hill: English Partnerships (EP) currently employs seven members of staff at the Millennium Dome, at an annual salary cost of £225,756. This does not include those other EP corporate staff who may spend part of their time dealing with Dome-related matters as part of normal business, but who are not employed exclusively in relation to the Dome or the Greenwich Peninsula.

Parish Boundaries

Andrew Hunter: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will take steps to ensure that (a) local authorities and (b) parish councils are obliged to inform landowners of proposed changes to parish boundaries which might affect the prospect of housing development on their land.

Nick Raynsford: Procedures to be followed by local authorities when consulting on reviews of parish arrangements in their area including any proposed changes to parish boundaries are contained in the Local Government and Rating Act 1997.
	Local authorities are under statutory obligation to secure that persons who may be interested in proposals to change parish boundaries are informed of reviews and recommendations. This may include advertising in the local press, notices in local libraries and, particularly in smaller areas, an individual notification to affected households. In areas that are already parished it may be appropriate to call a parish meeting to consider proposals to change parish boundaries.

Planning Guidance (Rural Areas)

Michael Spicer: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the effects of planning guidance on (a) B1 and (b) B8 categories in rural areas; and what plans he has to issue further guidance on these categories.

Keith Hill: No specific assessment of this kind has been made. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister commissioned a wider study into planning for economic development. The report of this study, which we published in May 2004, will help inform the review of national planning policy guidance, including Planning Policy Guidance note 4, "Industrial and Commercial Development and Small Firms".
	In August 2004 the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister published Planning Policy Statement 7 (PPS7), "Sustainable Development in Rural Areas". PPS7 makes clear that local planning authorities should plan for and support a range of economic activity in rural areas, subject to sustainability considerations and with most new development being focused on existing towns and villages.
	Copies of PPS7 and the research report, "Planning for Economic Development" are available in the Library of the House.

Rossendale Council (Asset Sales)

Janet Anderson: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether his Department has had discussions with Rossendale borough council about the possible sale of the site of the former civic hall in Whitworth.

Phil Hope: Within the context of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's monitoring the council's overall performance, the topic of asset management is periodically discussed with the council. However decisions concerning asset sales are taken solely by the council.

Rossendale Council (Asset Sales)

Janet Anderson: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list requirements made by his Department of Rossendale borough council in respect of asset sales.

Phil Hope: My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister has no requirements of Rossendale borough council (RBC) in relation to asset sales other than those generally required by law. Like all local authorities, RBC is expected to submit its asset management plan to its regional Government office for assessment, with the aim of reaching a "Good" standard. As a council categorised as poor under the Comprehensive Performance Assessment regime, RBC is also required to agree an Improvement Plan with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, against which its performance is regularly monitored.

Smoke Alarms

Bob Spink: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what his policy is on encouraging further take-up of smoke alarms in domestic properties; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Raynsford: Most fire and rescue services already undertake work to encourage and publicise fire prevention, including installing smoke alarms for vulnerable households. Smoke alarm ownership in the home has increased from nine per cent. in 1987 to the current level of 80 per cent.
	The National Fire and Rescue Framework sets out the Government's objectives to increase smoke alarm ownership. Fire and rescue services are encouraged to implement smoke alarm installation programmes, targeting those at most risk by offering fire safety advice to householders and supplying and fitting smoke alarms free of charge where a dwelling has none. To underpin this work, a key feature of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004, is the new duty on all fire and rescue services to promote fire safety in their area.
	The Government will continue to promote smoke alarm ownership through a series of national community fire safety campaigns.

Supporting People Programme

Mike Hancock: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister pursuant to the answer of 7 September 2004, Official Report, column 1172W, on the Supporting People programme, what (a) monitoring and (b) research he has conducted on the operation of the Supporting People programme in the last three years; and if he will make a statement.

Keith Hill: The Supporting People programme has been in operation since 1 April 2003. Since this time, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has undertaken—and continues to undertake—comprehensive monitoring and research of its operation to enable the Government to better understand the programme and to ensure that it is meeting the housing related support needs of vulnerable people. This includes:
	(a) continuing and regular monitoring of the effectiveness of the Supporting People programme on a variety of information including progress with reviews, contracting and the operation of the Commissioning Body. Data are collected from Administering Authorities on a quarterly basis and analysed, this helps us to ascertain if any authorities are struggling and what support they might need. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is also now collecting and analysing data on a quarterly basis from Administering Authorities in relation to Supporting People key performance indicators.
	(b) Undertaking research into the Supporting People programme. Research that has been published, or is due for publication includes:
	Value for Money analysis, Starfish. Published April 2003.
	Developing an Allocation Formula, Matrix MHA. Published April 2003
	Support Needs of Homeless Households, Research and Information Services. Published December 2003
	Review of the Supporting People Programme: Independent Report, RSM Robson Rhodes. Published February 2004
	Review of development of policy and costs of housing related support, Matrix. Published March 2004
	Analysis of local Supporting People shadow strategies, Leeds Metropolitan University. Published June 2004
	Developing a Distribution Formula, Matrix MHA. Underway, due to complete October 2004.
	SP Benefits Realisation, Matrix. Due to be published Autumn 2004.
	Baseline User Survey, BMRB Social Research. Due for publication Autumn 2004.
	Service Packages Project, Matrix. Due to be published Autumn 2004.
	Safer Communities Supported Housing Fund Evaluation including Teenage Parent ADP evaluation, School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol. Underway, due to complete 2006.
	Health pilots, University of Bristol. Underway, due to complete 2006.

Sustainable Communities Plan

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on progress with the Government's Sustainable Communities Plan.

Keith Hill: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is making excellent progress with the Sustainable Communities Plan. Following the 2004 Spending Review, we will spend £38 billion on creating sustainable communities over five years to March 2008. Since 2002, this money has already helped to increase housebuilding by 10 per cent., delivered 34,553 affordable homes for rent and assisted over 10,000 key workers into home ownership. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has cut rough sleeping by over 70 per cent. since 1998 and we are exceeding our target to build 60 per cent. of new homes on brownfield land. Since 1997, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has made around £1 million social homes decent and increased grant to local authorities by 30 per cent. in real terms. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will celebrate this success with the international Sustainable Communities Summit, in Manchester, in January 2005.

Telecommunications Masts

Bob Spink: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister on how many occasions in each of the last five years a local planning authority has paid costs to the communications industry as a result of losing an appeal following refusal of permission for new or additional antennae.

Keith Hill: The information requested is not held centrally, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The Planning Inspectorate maintains an annual statistics report, but these figures cannot be obtained from that report. This question could not be answered without specific research.

Unauthorised Roadside Sales

Bob Russell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what advice he has given to local authorities on dealing with unauthorised sales carried out on roadside sites; and if he will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: I have been asked to reply.
	Defra is currently consulting through it's 'Clean Neighbourhoods' document on a raft of measures that will improve the suite of powers available to local authorities in the management of our local environment. These would be taken forward once a suitable legislative opportunity arises. The document includes proposed measures on nuisance vehicles.
	The proposal is to create a definition of 'nuisance' vehicle that would include vehicles that were detrimental the amenity of an area or causing a nuisance. Local authorities would have the power to remove these vehicles immediately and recover the costs of doing so. It would become a prosecutable offence for being responsible for such a vehicle.
	What constitutes a nuisance or detrimental to the amenity of an area would be clarified in regulations and will be subject to the results of the consultation. Vehicles which are placed on the highway for sale is being considered as part of this process.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Afghanistan

Mike Wood: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment has been made of the human rights of women and children jailed in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime for misdemeanours who remain in prison.

Bill Rammell: Life has improved in Afghanistan for all, including women and children, since the fall of the Taliban. Prison conditions have also improved, although there is still a lot to do, and the UK remains concerned about some of the reported conditions in prisons across Afghanistan. We are aware that there are still cases where women remain in prison who have been jailed for committing 'crimes' such as being raped or being abandoned by their husbands. We are pushing the Afghan Government to implement fully international human rights standards, including the humane treatment of prisoners. We welcomed President Karzai's decree on prisoner release last month and are pressing for this to be enforced. In practical terms, the UK has given £1 million to support the work of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC), which has a particular focus on the rights of women and children. The UK has also supported the NGO Womankind, whose projects included working with inmates at a women's prison in Kabul.

Bangladesh

Clive Soley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the political situation in Bangladesh; and if the UK will assist in dealing with attacks on political activists.

Douglas Alexander: We are concerned about the current political situation in Bangladesh and the poor relationship between the two main political parties. This continues to detract from the proper functioning of the country's democratic institutions. We regularly urge the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition to take a constructive and co-operative approach to tackle the key challenges that Bangladesh faces.
	We have been shocked by recent violence in Bangladesh, especially the attack on an opposition rally in Dhaka on 21 August. In a public statement on 22 August, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary condemned this attack and called on all concerned to refrain from further violence and to exercise restraint. A copy of this statement is available on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website: www.fco.gov.uk/news/press-releases. He also called on the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. On 26 August EU Heads of Mission, including the British High Commissioner, called on the Bangladeshi Foreign Minister to deliver an EU declaration condemning the attack, and affirming the importance of adequate protection to all political groups. We continue to emphasise these messages through our High Commission, and remain ready to assist the Bangladeshi authorities where we can.

Colombia

Julie Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on UK relations with Colombia.

Bill Rammell: The UK has good relations with Colombia. We support the efforts that President Uribe is making to bring peace and security to his country in the face of the huge problems that Colombia faces. The armed conflict, fuelled by the illegal drugs trade, causes great suffering to the Colombian people. Cocaine from Colombia also causes great harm in the UK. Human rights form a central component of our policy on Colombia. We consistently urge the Colombian Government to take stronger action to improve the human rights situation in the country, and in particular to ensure that UN recommendations regarding human rights are implemented. To achieve this goal, we are working closely with the Colombian Government and other partners, including the UN, EU, NGOs and the trades unions.

Colombia

Julie Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on (a) the killing of the trade unionists Leonel Goyeneche, Hector Alirio Martinez and Jorge Prieto Chamucero in Arauca, Colombia this year and (b) the implications for human rights in that country.

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Colombia on the murder on 5 August of trade unionists Jorge Chamucero, Hector Martinez and Leonel Goyeneche; and if he will make a statement.

Bill Rammell: I have expressed our concerns about the deaths in Arauca personally with President Uribe of Colombia when we met at the Panamanian presidential inauguration on 1 September. I raised them again with the Colombian Foreign Minister when we met in London on 8 September 2004. Our Embassy in Bogota has also raised the case at the highest level. We made it clear at the outset that in our view, given the circumstances, a civil investigation, rather than a military one, should be undertaken into these deaths. As I told President Uribe, we were therefore pleased that the Colombian Government did decide to pursue this course of action, and that NGOs and trades unionists locally were kept informed of the process. The Colombian Government made it clear that if a human rights abuse had been committed, they too would find it unacceptable and would take strong measures against the perpetrators. We note that, following the investigation, the Prosecutor General has ordered the arrest of the military personnel involved in the deaths.
	We continue to urge the Colombian Government to implement all outstanding UN human rights recommendations. We have made it plain that we are very willing to assist in this process, and with other partners are in close touch with the Colombian Government, the UNHCHR Representative, NGOs and trades unions to help carry matters forward.

Correspondence

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to reply to a letter from the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull, North forwarded to the Foreign Office by the Prime Minister's Communications Unit on 18 August.

Bill Rammell: holding answer 16 September 2004
	My noble Friend the Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean replied to my hon. Friend on 17 September 2007.

Cuba

Mike Wood: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations the UK has made to the (a) US Administration and (b) United Nations on lifting the US trade embargo against Cuba.

Bill Rammell: The UK's policy on Cuba, and its position on the embargo, is well understood by the US Administration. We—and our EU partners—believe in constructive engagement and dialogue with the Cuban authorities, and we make our objections against the US embargo known every year at the United Nations General Assembly. On 4 November 2003, we again voted to adopt the resolution on the necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the USA against Cuba.

Departmental Services

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which services within his Department will be (a) affected by and (b) subject to job losses consequent on the cuts in the civil service announced in the Spending Review.

Douglas Alexander: I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Boateng) gave him on 16 September 2004, Official Report, column 1659W.

EU Constitution

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the cost was of printing the Government's recent White Paper on the EU Constitution; whether this document will be posted with the proposed Constitution to every household in the UK; and what estimate he has made of the cost of printing 30 million copies of the White Paper.

Jack Straw: The cost of printing 1,500 copies of the Government's White Paper on the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe was £2,385. There are no plans currently to send the White Paper to every household in the UK. As no tendering process has yet been entered into for this work a cost estimate is not available at this time. A copy of the White Paper is available online at www.europe.gov.uk.

EU Constitution

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate his Department has made of the cost of posting a copy of the proposed EU Constitution to every household in the UK; whether other Government literature will be enclosed; and when he expects this mass-mailing to take place.

Jack Straw: No decisions have yet been made on the distribution of the proposed EU Constitutional Treaty. As no tendering process has yet been entered into for sending a copy to every household a cost estimate is not available at this time. A copy of the Provisional Treaty text is available online at www.europe.gov.uk.

EU Directives

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the EU directives outstanding without implementation (a) over two years, (b) over three years, (c) over four years and (d) over five years for each member state.

Denis MacShane: The European Commission is responsible for monitoring and enforcing the implementation of Directives in EU member states. The best available data on member states progress in implementing Directives is therefore available on the Commission's own website at: http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/secretariat general/sgb/droit com/pdf/mne country 20040831 en.pdf).
	The European Commission's Single Market Scoreboard also records implementation relating to the Internal Market. The full text of the latest Internal Market Scoreboard is at: http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/internal market/score/index en.htm.

Explosion (Yanggang Province)

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on reports of a large explosion in Yanggang Province in North Korea on North Korea's National Day this year.

Jack Straw: I refer the right hon. and learned Gentleman to the written statement made by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Bill Rammell) on 16 September 2004, Official Report, columns 186–88WS, concerning his visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

General Affairs and External Relations Council

Jimmy Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the outcome was of the General Affairs and External Relations Council held on 13 September; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement.

Denis MacShane: The answer is as follows:
	Outcome of the 13 September 2004 General Affairs and External Relations Council
	My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, John Grant (UK's Permanent Representative to the EU) and I represented the UK at the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) in Brussels on 13 September.
	Conclusions were agreed on Sudan/Darfur, Great Lakes Region, ASEM, Iraq and Belarus.
	General Affairs Session
	EU Financial Framework For 2007–2013
	The Council held a policy debate on the proposed EU financial framework for the 2007–13 period, endorsing the methodology proposed by the Presidency for work on the dossier until the end of the year with the aim of enabling agreement to be reached during 2005.
	The Council also took a number of decisions without debate, such as the conclusions on progress in planning operation ALTHEA in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and a list of the 24 persons it intends to appoint as Members of the Commission for the 2009 period.
	External Relations Session
	Sudan/Darfur
	The Council remained concerned about the situation in Darfur. It expressed readiness to support the African Union (AU) mission in the region and to contribute to an expanded mission. It also agreed that the EU will take appropriate measures, including sanctions, against the Government of Sudan and all other parties if no tangible progress is achieved in meeting the Council's and the UN Security Council's demands. Conclusions were agreed.
	Great Lakes Region
	The Council expressed concern over the recent increase in tension in the region and urged the leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi as well as neighbouring countries, in particular Rwanda and Uganda, to continue implementation of their respective peace accords. The Council reaffirmed its conviction that the resolution of conflicts in the Great Lakes Region requires a regional approach. The Council also supported a more focused and robust mandate of MONUC (United Nations Mission in the DRC). Conclusions were agreed.
	ASEM
	The Council reviewed the issue of ASEM (Asia-Europe meeting) enlargement from the perspective of the upcoming ASEM Summit in Hanoi (8 October) and underlined the importance it attached to EU-Asia relations. It decided that, in the absence of progress in Burma by the time of the Summit, it would tighten restrictive measures against the regime and increase support to the Burmese people. Conclusions were agreed.
	Iran
	Ministers discussed the Iranian nuclear issue over lunch. They confirmed their full support for the efforts undertaken by France, Germany and the UK and reiterated their request to Iran to comply with suspension commitments. Ministers also discussed human rights in Iran.
	Iraq
	The Council expressed its strong condemnation of the continued kidnappings and acts of terrorism in Iraq and called for all hostages to be immediately released unharmed. Endorsing the preliminary findings of an EU exploratory mission in Iraq concerning possible EU activities in the field of civilian crisis management, it asked for these findings to be further examined and elaborated with a view to assistance proposals being prepared in good time for the 5 November European Council. Conclusions were agreed.
	Belarus
	The Council discussed its concerns over the proposed presidential referendum, which is to be held in parallel with the parliamentary elections on 17 October 2004. This change to the constitution will allow the president to run without limitation in future presidential elections. The Council stressed the need to hold such a referendum in accordance with OSCE and Council of Europe standards and norms. It underlined the need for a fair and constructive dialogue with the opposition before any referendum on changing the constitution could be conducted. Furthermore, there should be an improvement in the freedom of access to the media for all political groupings.
	The Council once again reiterated its hope that Belarus will take its rightful place among European democratic countries. Conclusions were agreed.
	AOB—Western Balkans
	The Hungarian delegation raised the question of violent incidents in Vojvodina (Serbia). The Presidency asked EU Heads of Mission and the EU Monitoring Mission to report on these developments.
	AOB—Libya
	The Italian delegation asked for a possible derogation to the arms embargo against Libya to allow for co-operation in the field of illegal immigration to be taken up in the Council bodies.

Gibraltar

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his Department has had with Spanish counterparts concerning the re-opening of discussions on sovereignty-sharing over Gibraltar; when these discussions took place; and which country initiated the talks.

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on diplomatic discussions between his Department and the Spanish Government over joint sovereignty of Gibraltar.

Jack Straw: holding answer 14 September 2004
	Members of my Department have regular discussions with their Spanish counterparts on a wide range of issues, as do I and my ministerial colleagues. It is natural that these should include Gibraltar. Since the election of the PSOE government, the Spanish side has several times expressed a wish to re-open discussions on a number of issues concerning Gibraltar, including sovereignty. As we have consistently made clear, there will be no change to Gibraltar's sovereignty without the consent of the people of Gibraltar.

Gibraltar

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many hostile actions have been taken against Gibraltar by Spain in each of the last three years.

Denis MacShane: The daily lives of Gibraltarians in a number of areas have faced difficulties in recent years. Examples include delays in crossing the border, disruption to cruise ship movements, a limit on the provision of telephone connections to Gibraltar and restrictions on the use of airspace and diversion of incoming flights.
	My ministerial colleagues and I raise these issues when we meet our Spanish counterparts, and press them to rethink their approach. I have made clear in public in Spain and in Spanish when necessary that such actions are neither justified, nor helpful, nor acceptable.

Gibraltar

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the celebrations to mark the 300 years of British rule over Gibraltar.

Denis MacShane: We are playing a full part in celebrating the warm relationship that we have enjoyed with the people of Gibraltar for the past 300 years. The Government are participating in an extensive programme of commemorative events taking place in both Gibraltar and the UK. The Royal Gibraltar Regiment and military units from the United Kingdom, including the Royal Marines, the Royal Engineers, the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy ships and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary are taking part in a total of more than 20 events throughout the year. My right hon. Friend the Defence Secretary visited Gibraltar on 4 August to be present at events celebrating the Tercentenary and the granting of the Freedom of the City to the Royal Navy. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary hopes to attend an event in the UK to commemorate the Gibraltar Tercentenary later this year.

Gibraltar

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what impact the change of government in Spain has had on discussions on Gibraltar.

Denis MacShane: Following the change of government in Madrid, Ministers and officials have continued to have regular discussions with their Spanish counterparts on a wide range of issues. It is natural that these should include Gibraltar.
	There are signs that the Spanish Government is prepared to consider greater co-operation with Gibraltar, including between local authorities in the Campo region. I welcome this, and encourage such contacts. But, as I have made clear to my Spanish counterpart, there will be no change in Gibraltar's sovereignty without the consent of the people of Gibraltar.

Gibraltar

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what ministerial visits to Gibraltar are planned over the next 12 months.

Denis MacShane: Foreign engagements for my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and other Ministers are kept under constant review. It is not our practice to announce such visits until they are firm. Because of the unpredictable nature of world events, final decisions on overseas visits are often not possible until very shortly before the day of travel and occasionally not until they are underway.

Heads of Government (British Citizenship)

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether (a) United Kingdom passport holders and (b) individuals granted British citizenship are permitted to retain this status if they become head of government of a foreign state.

Chris Mullin: A person holding British citizenship may continue to retain this status upon becoming the head of government of a foreign state, whether or not they hold a UK passport.

Iceland

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government's policy is on Iceland joining the European Union.

Denis MacShane: As I discovered for myself when I visited Iceland on 21–22 July, there is currently an informed debate in Iceland about the pros and cons of European Union membership. Iceland is already a member of the European Economic Area and the Schengen free movement zone. It is for the Icelandic people themselves to decide whether to join and of course the United Kingdom would welcome Iceland as a partner in the EU.

Information and Communication Technology

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many information and communication technology specialists are in full-time employment in the Department.

Douglas Alexander: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office employs 354 full-time Information and Communication specialists.

Intelligence Sharing

Gary Streeter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the extent to which British intelligence on relevant security issues and global terrorism is shared with the Russian authorities.

Jack Straw: holding answer 16 September 2004
	The British and Russian security and intelligence services continue to cooperate in the campaign against global terrorism. We value such cooperation with the Russians as with other countries. The details of intelligence exchanges are confidential. I am withholding further details under exemptions l(a) and l(c) of Part 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

International Atomic Energy Agency

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals the United Kingdom plans to put to the conference on the global threat reduction initiative at the International Atomic Energy Agency meeting in Vienna on 18 and 19 September; and whether non-governmental organisations will be given (a) access and (b) accreditation to the conference.

Denis MacShane: The UK did not put new proposals to the Conference on the Global Threat Reduction Initiative in Vienna on 18 and 19 September. We are already carrying out work in this area through the Global Partnership, and will listen with interest and respond to any proposals made by other countries. The meeting will be open for NGOs to register and attend.

Iran

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations concerning Iran's nuclear programme the Government will make to the International Atomic Energy Agency in its September meetings; and if he will make a statement.

Jack Straw: Together with the Governments of France and Germany the UK has drafted a resolution on Iran for discussion at the current meeting of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
	As has been recent practice, UK statements on Iran at the Board of Governors' meeting and to the IAEA General Conference will be published once they have been delivered.

Iran

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Government has received since February from human rights organisations operating in Iran; and if he will list the human rights violations those organisations reported.

Jack Straw: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office maintains close contacts with the semi-official Islamic Human Rights Commission in Tehran, other individuals and organisations in Iran with an interest in human rights issues, and international human rights organisations which follow events in Iran. These individuals and organisations continue to report a wide range of human rights violations in Iran. Because human rights violation is so widespread in Iran, and because many of the representations we receive are confidential in nature, we cannot list here all the individual violations reported to us.
	We continue to make our views on human rights clear to the Iranian authorities bilaterally, through the European Union and through action at the United Nations, and to press them to bring their practices into line with international law and standards.

Iraq

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his answer of 3 August 2004, Official Report, column 683W, on Iraq, whether hon. Members other than Ministers had an input into the preparation of the September 2002 Dossier, Iraq's Weapons of Mass Destruction.

Denis MacShane: As I made clear in my answer on 3 August (published on 1 September 2004, Official Report, column 683W), the Joint Intelligence Committee was responsible for producing the dossier. The final draft was made available for information to members of the Intelligence and Security Committee.

Iraq

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he was informed that post-war validation had raised serious doubts about the reliability of reporting from the sub-source referred to in paragraph 403 of the Butler Report.

Jack Straw: holding answer 16 September 2004
	These matters have been examined exhaustively in the course of the Butler review and other inquiries. All relevant information has been placed in the public domain insofar as that could be done without prejudicing national security.

Iraq

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 1 September 2004, Official Report, columns 683–4W, on Iraq, when the translation of Iraq's declaration of the status of its programmes of weapons of mass destruction was completed; and if he will place a copy of the translation in the Library.

Denis MacShane: holding answer 16 September 2004
	Translation of the text of the declaration, of which 648 pages were in Arabic, was completed on 20 December 2002.
	The supporting documentation (much of which consisted of purchase orders and invoices) were reviewed, summarised and assessed over the ensuing weeks, and this work had been completed by 19 March 2003.
	The declaration remains a confidential document of the United Nations, and I cannot, therefore, place a copy in the Library of the House.

Islamic Organisations

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his Department has had with prominent Islamic organisations in the UK.

Jack Straw: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and FCO Ministers regularly meet a wide range of Muslim organisations, both nationally and locally, as Ministers travel to the regions regularly to meet grassroots organisations. Some of the national organisations include the Muslim Council of Britain, Islamic Society of Britain, Islamic Forum Europe and Union of Muslim Students, among others.
	The topics of discussion include a wide range of foreign policy issues of interest to the Muslim community.

Israel

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what evidence he has reviewed on the (a) development and (b) use of (i) biological and (ii) chemical weapons and agents by Israel.

Denis MacShane: holding answer 16 September 2004
	We are aware of no credible evidence of development or use of chemical or biological weapons or agents by the State of Israel. Israel has signed, but not ratified, the Chemical Weapons Convention and has neither signed nor ratified the Biological and toxin Weapons Convention. It therefore has no legal obligation not to develop these weapons, and nor is it subject to any international monitoring.

Krishna Maharaj

Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information has been made available to the Consular Service, in relation to Krishna Maharaj, on the failures to investigate Adam Hosein and Jamie Majais for possible involvement in the murders of Duane and Derrick Moo Young.

Chris Mullin: These are a matter for Mr. Maharaj's legal team. The Government remain in close contact with Mr. Maharaj's lawyers who update us on developments in the case and on various avenues they are pursuing.

Maldives

Clive Soley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the (a) political situation in the Maldives and (b) arrest of Members of Parliament.

Douglas Alexander: We have welcomed recent moves towards further democratic reform in the Maldives, in particular the proposals in President Gayoom's speech of 9 June. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary wrote to the President in July to express our support for many of his proposals and to encourage him to ensure that a free and open debate on reform in the Maldives is allowed. We are concerned at the continuing detention of many of those arrested following the pro-reform demonstrations on 12 and 13 August, including members of the Special Majlis, and have urged the Government to repeal the state of emergency, restore all fundamental rights to the detainees, and reconvene the Special Majlis.

Middle East

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of Syrian policy towards terrorism in the Middle East; and what representations he has made to the Syrian Government about the presence of Hamas in Syria.

Denis MacShane: We have continuing concerns about Syrian support for Palestinian terrorist organisations and judge that Syria can do more to constrain their activities. While office closures are welcome, Syria should more tightly control the activities, including the travel and contacts with the Occupied Territories, of known Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other leaders. We have repeatedly made our views known to the Syrian authorities.

Muslims (Human Rights Abuses)

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made regarding abuses of human rights against Muslims who choose to convert to another faith; and if he will make a statement.

Bill Rammell: The Government condemn instances where individuals are persecuted because of their faith or belief, wherever these happen and whatever the religion of the individual or group concerned. We are concerned about the plight of apostates throughout the world including those Muslims who are punished for choosing to convert to another faith. Both bilaterally and with our EU partners we regularly raise specific cases of religious persecution with the Governments concerned. Over the past year we have formally raised the treatment of religious minorities with both the Pakistani and Bangladesh Governments. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Panel on Religious Freedom, which brings together representatives from all of the faith communities in the UK, has also discussed the issue of apostasy.

Non-EU Countries (Governmental Visits)

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs from which non-EU countries' governments inward visits to the UK are planned in the next three months.

Bill Rammell: The President of Korea Mr. Roh Moo-hyun accompanied by Mrs. Roh Moo-hyun will pay a State Visit to the United Kingdom in December.
	Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of the Republic of India arrived in the United Kingdom on 15 September for a two-day visit as a Guest of Her Majesty's Government. No other non-EU Guest of Government visits are planned within the next three months.
	The Foreign and Commonwealth Office also sponsors visits which enable influential individuals, e.g. Parliamentarians, and public servants to carry out a working programme in their area of expertise. The full programme of visits for the next three months is not yet fixed but is expected to include visitors from China, Nigeria, Taiwan, Argentina, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Gambia, Afghanistan, Egypt, Bahrain, Syria and other Middle Eastern countries, South Africa, Sudan, Japan, India, Zambia, Russia, Pakistan, Bolivia, Uruguay, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, Mauritius, Ghana, Tanzania, USA, Peru and Philippines.

Nordic Countries

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what bilateral meetings are planned between the UK and the Nordic countries.

Denis MacShane: Frequent bilateral meetings of Ministers, officials and parliamentarians take place between the United Kingdom and the Nordic countries on an ongoing basis. There is also frequent contact in the context of EU, NATO, UN and other multilateral meetings.

Nordic Countries

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on bilateral relations with (a) Iceland, (b) Denmark, (c) Norway, (d) Sweden, (e) Finland and (f) the Faroe Islands.

Denis MacShane: Bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and the Nordic countries are excellent. Strong working relationships exist variously in the EU, NATO, UN and a wide range of international organisations. We co-operate closely on issues such as the environment, international development, human rights and peacekeeping. The UK has a healthy trading relationship with these countries. There are regular official and ministerial contacts and all party parliamentary groups have well-established links with the respective Parliaments. Further information about the relationship with individual Nordic countries can be found in the country profiles section of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website: www.fco.gov.uk and web pages of each of our embassies.

Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received in respect of compliance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty by (a) Iran, (b) North Korea, (c) South Korea and (d) the United Kingdom, with particular reference to provisions under articles one and six of the treaty.

Denis MacShane: Issues of compliance with the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) form an integral part of our dialogue with a number of Governments and other bodies. These include meetings of the review process of the NPT, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the G8 non-proliferation meetings. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary is confident that the United Kingdom continues to fulfil all of its obligations under Articles I and VI of the Treaty.

South Africa

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his Department has had with (a) UK investors in the South African mining industry and (b) the South African Government on the implications of the South African Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 2002 on the 1994 agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for the Promotion and Protection of Investments, which came into force in 1994; when these discussions took place; and what mechanisms exist for settlement of claims UK investors may have against the South African Government resulting from the expropriation of privately-owned common law mineral rights under the 2002 Act.

Jack Straw: Foreign and Commonwealth Office and UK Trade and Investment officials have regular discussions with UK companies investing in South Africa. In June 2002, I took the opportunity of a meeting with the South African Foreign Minister to underline the importance we attached to the South African Government consulting industry on the details of the draft Mining Bill.
	Remedies exist for UK companies in dispute with the South African Government under South African law. In addition, under the provisions of the UK/South Africa Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement any dispute between a UK investor and the South African Government may be submitted to international arbitration.

Terrorism

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which ethnic groups have been responsible for each of the 20 largest terrorist attacks, in terms of loss of life, across the world in the last four years; and if he will make a statement.

Denis MacShane: The Government regard all acts of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, wherever and by whomever they are committed. Terrorism threatens democracy, and aims to destabilise legitimately constituted governments and undermine tolerance and the rule of law. The Government do not seek to assign responsibility specifically on the basis of ethnicity.

UN International Day of Peace

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to encourage observance of the International Day of Peace declared by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 36/67 of 30 November 1981, with particular reference to observance in the UK.

Bill Rammell: The UK supports the initiative for an International Day of Peace, which aims to promote a global ceasefire and non-violence, including by encouraging rebel groups involved in conflict to agree to a cessation of hostilities to allow aid agencies to obtain access to civilians. General Assembly Resolution 36/67 first established an International Day of Peace, and the UK was a co-sponsor of General Assembly Resolution 55/282 of September 2001, which determined that this day would be observed on 21 September. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has provided support to the British NGO, 'Peace One Day', which campaigns to promote observance of this day both in the UK and worldwide.

Zimbabwe

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government have taken to protect current and former British passport holders in Zimbabwe.

Jack Straw: We provide the same level of consular protection to British passport holders in Zimbabwe as to those in any other country. However, we are unable to provide consular protection to former British passport holders who have renounced their British citizenship to become single Zimbabwean nationals. Former British passport holders can apply to the Home Office, through the British Embassy in Harare, to have their citizenship re-instated, provided they meet the necessary criteria.

TRANSPORT

Roads (Luneside, East)

Geraldine Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment has been made of vehicular access to Luneside East, Lancaster; and what estimate he has made of the change in traffic consequent on the Luneside East Development.

David Jamieson: A traffic impact assessment was prepared for the Luneside East scheme and both Lancaster city council, as Planning Authority, and Lancashire county council, as Highway Authority, considered its traffic impacts. Both authorities concluded that traffic generated by the scheme could be accommodated by the existing road network and the city council, therefore, granted outline planning permission in December 2002.

Civil Service (Job Losses)

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which services within his Department will be (a) affected by and (b) subject to job losses consequent on the cuts in the civil service announced in the Spending Review.

Charlotte Atkins: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend, Chief Secretary of the Treasury of 16 September Official Report, column 1659W.

Departmental Expenditure

Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much his Department has spent on (a) mobile phones, (b) hospitality and (c) taxi costs in (i) 1996–97 and (ii) the latest year for which figures are available.

Charlotte Atkins: holding answer 21 July 2004
	The central part of the Department for Transport spent £15,000 on hospitality/entertainment in respect of all members of the Department in 2003–04. All expenditure on official entertainment and hospitality is made in accordance with published departmental guidance on financial procedures and propriety, based on the principles set out in "Government Accounting". The giving and receiving of hospitality is conducted fully in accordance with the guidance set out in the "Ministerial Code, and Guidance on Contacts with Outside Interest Groups including Lobbyists".
	Costs in relation to mobile phones and taxi costs are not readily available and would be so only at disproportionate cost.
	The Department for Transport was established in 2002 and therefore figures are not available prior to this date.

Departmental Recycling

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the latest available 12-month figures are for the proportion of the Department's redundant documentation, waste paper and card that is recycled; and if he will make a statement on the Department's recycling policy.

Charlotte Atkins: The waste handling contract for the Department's London headquarters building enables us to recycle all documentation, paper and card. Our policy aim is to recycle 100 per cent. of paper and card and we provide separate bins for such material and encourage staff to use them. In 2003–04, this resulted in the Department recycling 53 tonnes of paper, which represented 44 per cent. of total waste recycled. As we only record figures for the amount of documentation, waste paper and card that is actually recycled, we are unable to say what proportion this represents of total disposal of all such materials.
	To further encourage paper recycling the Department:
	(a) only uses uncoated paper containing 100 per cent. post-consumer waste, and coated paper containing a minimum of 75 per cent. post-consumer waste;
	(b) undertakes an annual review of its stocks of printed materials and organised the pulping of any deemed to be redundant, for recycling; and
	(c) instituted a 'print-on-demand' facility, so that no more copies of printed materials need be produced than are forecast to be used.
	The Department also manages an award-winning framework contract to procure recycled printing papers for all its printing needs. The contract let in partnership with Defra and DTI is currently used in total by 18 Departments, agencies and NDPBs, and the number is growing. The management and use of this contract by public bodies has so far:
	(a) diverted over 22,000 tonnes of potential landfill back into use;(b) led paper mills to develop new recycled products; and
	(c) contributed to improving the quality of those already on the market.
	The Department in consultation with its agencies is considering how it will develop a corporate departmental sustainable waste management strategy as required under the Framework for Sustainable Development on the Government Estate. However, our already existing policy remains that as many waste streams as possible should be recycled where appropriate and possible.

Humberside Safety Camera Partnership

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much money has been raised in gross by the Humberside Safety Camera Partnership in each year since its inception.

David Jamieson: The Humberside Safety Camera Partnership joined the National Safety Camera Programme in April 2003. Partnership accounts are audited by an auditor appointed by the Audit Commission. The audited 2003–04 accounts for Humberside are not yet available.

Humberside Safety Camera Partnership

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many persons were employed by the Humberside Safety Camera Partnership at its inception.

David Jamieson: The Humberside Safety Camera Partnership, made up of the police, magistrates courts and local authorities, joined the cost recovery programme in April 2003. It employed a complement of 48.6 full-time equivalent posts. This means that some staff spend part of their time with the partnership and the rest with their parent authorities.

London, Tilbury and Southend Line

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on overcrowding on the London, Tilbury and Southend rail line.

Tony McNulty: I refer the hon. Member to the written reply given to him on 13 September 2004, Official Report, column 1382W.

London, Tilbury and Southend Line

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the safety consequences of passengers standing on the London, Tilbury and Southend rail line; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: None. Trains are designed to accommodate standing passengers and to operate safely when fully loaded.

London, Tilbury and Southend Line

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the impact on overcrowding on the London, Tilbury and Southend line of the removal of four four-coach Class 357 trains from that line.

Tony McNulty: None. The redeployment of rolling stock was agreed by the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) to cover a potential shortfall in rolling stock elsewhere on the network. The rolling stock formations now in use on the c2c route are expected to accommodate demand. The SRA and c2c continue to monitor the impact of the changes on crowding levels on the route.

Manchester Airport

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of projected passenger numbers at Manchester airport in his deliberations on the proposed phase three Metrolink extension;
	(2)  what representations he has had from Manchester airport following his decision regarding phase three of the Manchester Metrolink extension;
	(3)  what assessment he has made of the alternative available public transport links to Manchester airport in the absence of the Metrolink extension;
	(4)  what assessment he has made of the impact of the Metrolink phase three extension on future journey times between Manchester airport and the city centre;
	(5)  what assessment he has made of the economic benefits to Manchester airport of the Metrolink phase three extension;
	(6)  what assessment he has made of the contribution of an extension of the Metrolink to Manchester airport to an integrated transport strategy for South Manchester.

Tony McNulty: It is for Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) as promoters of Metrolink to undertake any consultation and assessment. The Manchester Airport Line formed part of the original three line package of Metrolink extensions. However, following increased costs, the GMPTE submitted an alternative package replacing the airport line with a spur to East Didsbury.
	It was for GMPTE to undertake the assessment of alternatives. GMPTE's assessment of the original package took account of: future journey times between the airport and the city centre; projected passenger numbers; economic benefits to the airport; alternative public transport links if Metrolink Phase III was not approved; and the contribution to an integrated transport strategy for South Manchester.
	We have had no representations from Manchester airport. We have received one letter from British Airways based at Manchester Airport.

Manchester Public Transport

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the contribution of an extension of the role of Metrolink in the economic competitiveness of Greater Manchester (a) in its present form and (b) with the completion of the phase three extension;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the cost-to-benefit ratio of the phase three extension to the Greater Manchester Metrolink;
	(3)  what assessment he has made of the benefits to the local economy of the phase three extension to the Manchester Metrolink;
	(4)  what assessment he has made of (a) the contribution of the Manchester Metrolink to the process of creating a shift from car usage to public transport and (b) the likely impact of the phase three extension on that process;
	(5)  what assessment he has made of whether alternative public transport options have the capacity to meet passenger demand in the absence of the phase three Manchester Metrolink extension taking place;
	(6)  what estimate he has made of the projected traffic levels on (a) the M56, (b) the M60, (c) the M62 and (d) all major routes within the area of the proposed phase three extension of the Manchester Metrolink over the next (i) five, (ii) 10 and (iii) 20 years if the Metrolink extension (A) is and (B) is not put in placel;
	(7)  what estimate he has made of (a) the additional road space needed in the Manchester area in the absence of the Metrolink extension and (b) the cost of providing that additional road space;
	(8)  what assessment he has made of the implications for air quality along the proposed routes of the Metrolink phase three extension (a) of building and (b) of not building the extension.

Tony McNulty: The Department for Transport's consideration of Manchester Metrolink and the Phase III extensions was based on an assessment undertaken by the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE). This took account of the impact on: the regional and local economy; shift from car use to public transport; cost and capacity of alternative public transport and road options; the effect on the local and regional road network; and changes in air quality. The Department's judgement of the benefit cost ratio for the Phase III extensions (Oldham/Rochdale, Ashton-under-Lyne and East Didsbury) is 1.6:1.
	The Secretary of State took the decision not to approve Metrolink Phase III—along with the proposed schemes in Leeds and South Hampshire—because of a further substantial increase in costs. As the Secretary of State announced on 20 July, no government could accept the schemes as they are on the basis of their escalating costs and he could therefore not approve Phase III of Metrolink in its current form. In Manchester, costs had doubled and the project was reduced to less than the three lines originally proposed. The Department is working closely with GMPTE on developing alternative proposals.

Manchester Public Transport

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has instructed officials to undertake a fundamental review of public transport options in Greater Manchester.

Tony McNulty: It is for the Greater Manchester Transport Executive to consider the transport solutions that best meet the needs of the area. We will be working closely with the Manchester authorities as they undertake this work.

Manchester Public Transport

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what funds he is making available to keep the Oldham and Rochdale line open for local railway services in the absence of the phase three Metrolink extension; and what funds he is making available for the cost of upgrading the infrastructure.

Tony McNulty: There are no current plans to upgrade the infrastructure. The existing heavy rail services will continue to be provided and funded under the current First North Western Franchise and its planned replacement.

Manchester Public Transport

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what guarantees he has offered regarding the funding of essential costs of track and systems renewals on the existing Manchester Metrolink.

Tony McNulty: None. It is for the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive, as the promoters of Metrolink, to decide if track and systems renewals are essential and to make its own priorities and bid for funding if appropriate.

Manchester Public Transport

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what guidance he sought from Greater Manchester Police before reaching a decision over the phase three extension to the Manchester Metrolink.

Tony McNulty: The decision to withdraw funding approval for Metrolink Phase 3 was taken because of escalating costs. Therefore, there was no guidance sought from Greater Manchester Police before reaching this decision.

Manchester Public Transport

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consultations he has undertaken with Greater Manchester Health Authority regarding the role of Metrolink in (a) improving access to health care and (b) reducing traffic congestion on hospital sites.

Tony McNulty: It is for the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE), as promoters of Metrolink, to undertake any consultation with the Greater Manchester Health Authority throughout the development and assessment of the Metrolink and to present its findings to the Department for Transport. GMPTE's original assessment of the scheme did include information on access to health care, however, no information was provided specifically on reducing traffic congestion on hospital sites.

Motorway Traffic Officers

Mike Wood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to introduce motorway traffic officers to the (a) M62, (b) M1, (c) M606 and (d) M621 motorway in West Yorkshire.

David Jamieson: The programme for implementation of the traffic officer service in West Yorkshire on the M62, M1, M606 and M621 will commence in autumn 2005.

Ports

Gwyneth Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when his Department intends to conclude the updating of The Project Appraisal Framework for Ports, published in 2003.

David Jamieson: The Government announced its intention to update the Project Appraisal Framework for Ports in paragraph 7.29 of the Future of Transport White Paper. This will form part of the review of the ports policy framework to be launched after autumn 2005.

Ports

Gwyneth Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the Autumn 2005 review date for a response to the global growth in shipping traffic and new port capacity.

David Jamieson: We expect that, by Autumn 2005, the Secretary of State for Transport will have taken decisions on the proposals for major container port development currently outstanding and due to be determined by him. As the Secretary of State said in his statement to the House on 20 July we intend to take a long-term approach to port development and will review the policy framework for ports by the end of next year. Para 7.28 of The Future of Transport makes clear that one of the key issues that the review will show we should respond to forecast global growth in shipping traffic by providing new port capacity.

Railways

Tim Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the cost implications are of giving control over the railways in the Greater London Authority area to the Mayor of London; and if he will make a statement.

Alistair Darling: "The Future of Rail" white paper set out proposals for the Mayor to be able to buy additional services or propose savings on rail services in London. Transport for London would pay any additional costs (or recoup any savings).
	The white paper also set out a number of issues in respect of London for further consideration or work. Assessing the cost implications of the various options will be an important part of this further work.

Railways

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what Government subsidy was given to rail providers for the last year for which figures are available; and what it was calculated to be (a) per passenger and (b) per passenger mile.

Tony McNulty: Details of subsidy paid to each train operator in 2003–04 are set out in Appendix 3 to the Strategic Rail Authority's annual report 2003–04. Total numbers of passenger journeys made with each train operator in 2003–04 are shown in Section 8 of the Strategic Rail Authority's National Rail Trends Yearbook 2003–04. Details of subsidy per passenger kilometre travelled with each train operator in 2003–04 are set out in Appendix 5 to the Strategic Rail Authority's annual report 2003–04.
	Copies of the annual report and the yearbook are available in the Libraries of the House.

Roads

Tim Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the level of road congestion on (a) motorways and (b) all roads has been in each year since 1997.

Alistair Darling: The measure that has been used is derived from comparing actual traffic speeds with those that would be achievable in the absence of congestion. Full details of the methodology are available on the Department's website at www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft transstats/documents/page/dft transstats 021863.pdf
	Under this measure the estimated average congestion delay on motorways in England was 3.8 seconds lost per vehicle kilometre in 2000. Congestion in large urban areas in England was estimated as 24.8 seconds lost per vehicle kilometre in 2000 and 24.9 seconds lost per vehicle kilometre in 2002. These are the latest figures currently available. Estimates have not been made for years prior to 2000.
	The Department has always acknowledged the limitations of measuring congestion in this way and is currently developing new, more detailed data sources and new measures of traffic congestion.

Roads

John Thurso: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his estimate is of the total cost to the Government of public expenditure on road investment taken from the Capital Departmental Expenditure limit, but excluding capital grants to the private sector within the Resource Department Expenditure Limit, in each year from 2001–02 to 2010–11 (a) at outturn prices and (b) at today's prices.

David Jamieson: Figures for outturn and forecast public expenditure on road investment on the English strategic roads network within the Department's Capital Departmental Expenditure Limit to 2005–06 are set out in the following table. Future spending is being reviewed as part of the Spending Review 2004 and announcements about spending levels beyond 2005–06 will be announced in due course.
	The expenditure in 2001–02 and 2002–03 is higher since in those years structural maintenance was scored as capital expenditure. From 2003–04 onwards it scores as resource expenditure to bring the statistical treatment for budgeting purposes into line with accounting practice under Resource Accounting and Budgeting (RAB).
	
		£ million
		
			 Financial year Outturn prices 2003–04 prices 
		
		
			 2001–02 1,022 1,086 
			 2002–03 1,081 1,111 
			 2003–04 649 649 
			 2004–05 799 781 
			 2005–06 563 537 
		
	
	The Government's policy as set out in "A New Deal for transport: Better for Everyone" (1998 Cm 3950) is that there are a number of trunk roads which mainly serve local and regional traffic and are more appropriately managed at local level. Therefore the Highways Agency has been transferring responsibility (together with an appropriate level of resources) over to local highway authorities to enable decisions to be better integrated with local transport and land use planning issues. The result will be to reduce the trunk road network by 30 per cent. or around 3,000 km in total. So far about two thirds of these roads have been detrunked. The data have not been adjusted to take this into account.
	Trunk roads (excluding motorways) within Greater London were transferred to Transport for London in July 2000.

US Visas

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to his Answer of 13 September 2004, Official Report, column 1389W, on US visas, what form representations to US authorities on the abolition of the crew list visa scheme have taken; what further representations the Government intends to make; and if he will make a statement on this proposal.

David Jamieson: The representations referred to, took the form of two submissions to the US State Department. The first letter, in February 2003, on behalf of the UK and a number of other governments, put forward arguments in favour of retaining the crew list waiver scheme. A second letter was sent in September 2003 seeking to ameliorate the effects of the US proposals. We have no current plans to make further specific representations, but shall keep the matter under review.
	The US proposals are based on a judgment by a sovereign government about the appropriate immigration and border controls to meet, inter alia, their national security requirements.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Bogus Prizes

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will regulate the practice of offering bogus prizes, via tickets and scratch cards, which have to be claimed using expensive premium telephone lines; and if she will make a statement.

Mike O'Brien: The practice of offering bogus prizes to be claimed using premium rate telephone lines is already regulated by the Independent Committee for the Supervision of Standards of Telephone Information Services (ICSTIS) through a Code of Practice approved by the Communications regulator, the Office of Communications (Ofcom).

British Nuclear Fuels

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions (a) she, (b) other departmental ministers and (c) departmental officials have had with the European Commission on the proposed restructuring of British Nuclear Fuels plc; and what the state aid implications are.

Mike O'Brien: The Department has not specifically discussed the re-organisation of BNFL with the European Commission. The re-organisation will result in aid to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. The Government notified this aid to the European Commission in December 2003. The notification included details of the proposed re-organisation.

Carbon Sequestration

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what investment is being made in carbon sequestration technologies.

Mike O'Brien: Since 2001 we have either provided, or have committed to, some £518,000 of funding in support in of a variety of projects and studies investigating carbon sequestration. Additionally, we are developing a Carbon Abatement Technology Strategy of which carbon sequestration technologies are expected to be a major component. It is planned to publish this Strategy around the turn of the year.

Civil Service (Job Losses)

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which services within her Department will be (a) affected by and (b) subject to job losses consequent on the cuts in the civil service announced in the Spending Review.

Patricia Hewitt: As the Chief Secretary to the Treasury has already explained, full details of the workforce changes announced in the Spending Review are being worked through and we are consulting all stakeholders including unions and staff. Departments will come forward in due course with details of workforce changes once plans are finalised.

Electricity

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on her policy towards locational pricing structures for electricity transmission.

Mike O'Brien: The Government, with Ofgem, consulted on the criteria that should govern the transmission charging methodology under the British Electricity Trading and Transmission Arrangements (BETTA) due to come into affect in April 2005. http://www.dti.gov.uk/energy/consultations/transcharging doc:pdf
	It is now for the National Grid Company as GB System Operator to devise a suitable charging methodology in consultation with the industry that facilitates effective competition and, as far as practicable, is reflective of costs. It is then for the industry regulator, Ofgem, to approve this methodology.

Electricity

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry under what regulations Welsh Water is barred from generating electricity.

Mike O'Brien: There is nothing in the Electricity Act 1989, as amended, which would bar Welsh Water from generating electricity. Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 details what consents are required to construct, operate or extend a generating station. Generating electricity is a licensable activity and standard licence conditions have to be met, unless exempt under the Electricity (Class Exemptions from the requirement for a licence) Order 2001. It is the regulator's office, the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) which grants licences.

Electricity

Bill Tynan: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what impact the recent increase in the wholesale price of gas has had on predictions for the costs of various forms of electricity generation as laid out in the energy White Paper.

Mike O'Brien: The recent increase in the wholesale price of gas, if sustained, will impact on the cost of gas-fired generation as against other forms of generation. Some of these other forms of generation, including low carbon options, would look relatively more attractive compared with gas-fired generation

Employer Training

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many (a) employers and (b) staff in each Tyne and Wear district have been assisted by the Tyne and Wear Employer Training Pilot since it began.

Jacqui Smith: The information is as follows.
	(a) The total number of employers in Tyne and Wear assisted by the Employer Training Pilot since it began is 911.
	The total number of employers by each Tyne and Wear district are as follows:
	
		
			  Number of employers 
		
		
			 Newcastle 302 
			 North Tyneside 109 
			 South Tyneside 88 
			 Gateshead 204 
			 Sunderland 208 
		
	
	(b) The total number of employees in Tyne and Wear assisted by the Employer Training Pilot since it began is 7,170.
	The total number of employees by each Tyne and Wear district are as follows:
	
		
			  Number of employers 
		
		
			 Newcastle 2,374 
			 North Tyneside 645 
			 South Tyneside 624 
			 Gateshead 1,789 
			 Sunderland 1,738

EU Nuclear Regulation

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the revised proposed legislative texts produced by the European Commission on the safety of nuclear installations and radioactive waste management, released on 8 September 2004; what evaluation has been made of the differences between the new texts and those in the proposed council directives Cmd. 2003/32, released in January 2003; and what comments on these proposals were made by the United Kingdom to the Commission.

Mike O'Brien: On 8 September 2004, the College of Commissioners agreed to adopt the European Commission's revised proposals dealing with nuclear installation safety and radioactive waste management and these were formally circulated to Member States on 14 September 2004. A full evaluation is being made readiness for discussions in the relevant Council Working Group. However, the texts do not differ greatly from those considered by the Council under the Irish Presidency. The UK has made it clear to the Commission on several occasions that it would prefer any Community initiative in these fields to be developed on the basis of non-legally binding instruments.

End-of-Life Vehicles Directive

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made in implementing the End-of-Life Vehicles Directive; and if she will make a statement.

Mike O'Brien: The End-of-Life Vehicles Regulations 2003 (S.L2003/2635) came into effect in England and Wales on 3 November 2003, and equivalent legislation was introduced shortly after in Scotland and Northern Ireland. These Regulations implement a number of provisions in the End-of-Life Vehicles Directive. Consultation on draft Regulations to implement the remaining provisions of the Directive, which take effect from 2006, was carried out earlier this year. It is the Government's intention to present the End-of-Life Vehicles (Producer Responsibility) Regulations 2004 to the House shortly.

European State Aids

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the total value is of applications to the European Commission to allow state aids that have been (a) approved, (b) approved with modifications, (c) declined and (d) considered but deemed not to fall within state aid rules, broken down by member state, for the last five years.

Douglas Alexander: Comprehensive information on spending on state aids is published by the European Commission and is available on the Commission's website at http://europa.eu.int/comm/competitio/state aid/scoreboard/.
	The latest report includes information on the value of state aid spending in 2002, trends in spending between 1998 and 2002, and the percentage and numbers of cases approved or rejected by the Commission between 2001 and 2003, all broken down by member state. The report does not include full statistics on the number of applications approved with modifications, or considered but found not to fall within state aid rules, or a breakdown of their value, however, and we do not have independent estimates of these across EU member states.

Gas and Electricity Consumer Council

Harold Best: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the Gas and Electricity Consumer Council in protecting the interests of gas and electricity consumers.

Mike O'Brien: Since its establishment in November 2000, the Council has been an effective representative of the consumer interest, both in investigating and resolving individual complaints and in strategically engaging with the industry and Ofgem to address sectoral problems, for instance, mis-selling and the transfer process.

Gas/Oil Prices

Jonathan R Shaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the relationship between changes in wholesale gas prices and oil prices.

Mike O'Brien: In Continental Europe, where the energy markets are not fully competitive, gas prices are contractually linked to oil prices. In comparison the UK has gas-to-gas competition. However, due to arbitrage across the interconnector, we are also importing Continental European prices. Our analysis suggests that though the link between oil and gas prices exists, it is complex and dynamic.
	Ofgem launched a probe into the price movements of last autumn and more recently into forward gas prices. We await the conclusions of this probe.

India

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the opportunities for British companies to contribute to transport infrastructure projects in India; and what assistance her Department is providing to British companies who are involved in bids for such projects.

Douglas Alexander: The modernisation of India's existing transport infrastructure is a major priority for the Government of India. The UK has particular interest in Airport and Port Modernisation and Privatisation. There have been two UK Trade and Investment supported missions to India over the last two years in the airports sector to assess and identify opportunities, and future missions for both the airports and ports sectors are being planned. There have also been two inward visits to the UK, by Indian officials, for each of the sectors within in the same period. There are many projects being planned or constructed across the country. UK companies are closely involved in these projects either in planning or construction. The UK Trade and Investment team is assisting several companies in their dealings with the Government both in bidding for tenders and managing the relationship where contracts have been won.

Internet Fraud

Harold Best: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had with the telecommunications industry about internet dialler fraud.

Mike O'Brien: The Government have been in ongoing discussions with the telecommunications industry in order to find solutions to this problem.

Jaguar (Coventry)

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on discussions her Department has held with Ford Motor Company regarding the future of Jaguar Motor Car Productions in Coventry.

Jacqui Smith: Ministers and officials are in regular contact with the management of Ford Motor Company, as with other major manufacturers in the UK.
	Jaguar's announcement on Friday 17 September, covering their plans for the Brown's Lane site, is obviously disappointing, particularly given the workforce's efforts to improve quality and productivity at Brown's Lane. However, given the company's financial performance, tough decisions had to be taken.
	I have encouraged Jaguar's management to ensure that their workforce and trade unions remain informed and consulted, and that they discuss what further steps might be taken to mitigate further job losses. However, it's important to note that no compulsory redundancies have been announced.
	I am pleased that the company has not taken the decision to close Brown's Lane. Jaguar's Headquarters and administrative centre will remain in Coventry, as will the company's historic Wood Veneer Manufacturing Centre. And I am encouraged that the world leading R and D Centre at Whitley is being retained and welcome the employment opportunities for Brown's Lane workers created by the growth and success at Aston Martin.
	I hope that the announcement will help enable Jaguar to address its financial difficulties thereby securing a sustainable long-term future for the company, its products and its workforce here in the UK.

Jaguar (Coventry)

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions her Department has had with trade unions at national level about the future of Jaguar Motor Car Productions in Coventry.

Jacqui Smith: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has discussed the situation at Jaguar with both the company and trade union representatives.

Laura Ashley

Lembit �pik: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had with Laura Ashley regarding the proposed downsizing of the workforce in the UK; and if she will make a statement.

Jacqui Smith: None.

Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate she has made of the proportion of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority's income which, in each of its first five years of operation, will derive from operating spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plants at Sellafield.

Mike O'Brien: holding answer 15 September 2004
	The Government expects that approximately half of the NDA's total commercial income in the three years covered by the 2004 Spending Review will derive from the management of spent nuclear fuel on behalf of commercial customers.

Nuclear Power Plants

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether she has established a timetable to review the prospects for new building of nuclear power plants.

Mike O'Brien: The Government are continually assessing progress towards the four goals of energy policy set out in the Energy White Paper published 2003: 'Our energy futurecreating a low carbon economy'. There has been no change to the position set out in the White Paper. If the Government were to take the view that, at some point, nuclear build might be necessary, there would need to be the fullest public consultation and the publication of a further white paper setting out proposals, before the Government reached a decision.

Nuclear Power Plants

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will place in the Library a copy of the communication, dated 3 September 2004, from the European Commission in respect of the difficulties faced by the Commission nuclear inspectors in applying Euratom safeguards to the B-30 nuclear waste storage silo at Sellafield; and what response Her Majesty's Government has made to the communication.

Mike O'Brien: Officials tell me they have no knowledge of such a communication in the Department.
	I refer the hon. Member to my answer to his question of 1 September, which stated that, as of 7 September the UK authorities had received no formal or substantive response from the Commission to the plan presented on 1 June in respect of the B30 plant. The only formal communication since received (late 10 September) has been a letter from the Commission confirming an appointment with the UK authorities to discuss these issues at official level.

Nuclear Power Plants

Bill Tynan: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will review her Department's policy on the economic position of nuclear power in the light of the recent increase in the wholesale price of gas.

Mike O'Brien: The 2003 energy White Paper concluded that, although the economics of nuclear power currently make it an unattractive option, the nuclear option should be kept open. But the conclusions of the White Paper remain the same. We have no proposals for new nuclear build but the Government do not rule out the possibility that at some point in the future new nuclear build might be necessary to meet our carbon targets. Before any decision to proceed with building of new nuclear power stations there would need to be the fullest public consultation and the publication of a White Paper setting out proposals.
	The Department continues to monitor the economics of all low carbon generation options, including nuclear, in the light of changes in the cost of fossil fuel generation.

Nuclear Power Plants

Bill Tynan: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will review her Department's position that nuclear power is uneconomic in the light of the recent report by the Royal Academy of Engineering.

Mike O'Brien: The Department has seen the recent report by the Royal Academy of Engineering on nuclear power. The conclusions are based on assumptions such as the discount rate and plant capital cost which are relatively favourable to nuclear generation compared with other low carbon generation options. The Department does not therefore see any reason to change the position on nuclear power stated in the 2003 energy White Paper.

Nuclear Power Plants

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions she has had with the Scottish Executive on the future of nuclear energy generation in Scotland.

Mike O'Brien: There have been no such recent discussions.

Nuclear Power Plants

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will publish the advice that Bectel has given to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, including its major report into the future of the nuclear industry.

Mike O'Brien: Bechtel has advised on the procedures and technical systems that the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority will need to adopt to manage the clean up and decommissioning of civil nuclear sites by contract. That advice has been provided in various forms by the Bechtel consultants working with officials to establish the NDA.
	Bechtel has not provided any wider report into the future of the nuclear industry as a whole.

Nuclear Power Plants

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had with the British Nuclear Group/BNFL over the future of the Berkeley site.

Mike O'Brien: My officials were recently made aware of British Nuclear Group's proposal to establish a special Task Force to look at the future of its Berkeley site.

Nuclear Power Plants

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what contingency plans she has put in place in the event of there being insufficient engineering staff to run the remaining Magnox reactor sites.

Mike O'Brien: Reactor sites personnel will work closely with the regulators to ensure that sufficient engineering staff are available. Operators of Magnox reactor sites, as with other nuclear licensed sites are required to comply with the Conditions attached to their licence by HSE. These Conditions require that, before a licensee makes an organisational change, including changes to engineering support staff, it must consider the safety implications. HSE can, if necessary, prevent the change from taking place until satisfied that the safety implications are understood and that there will be no lowering of safety standards. Similar considerations apply regarding compliance with the limits and conditions of the authorisation issued to the site licensee by the Environment Agency under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993.

Nuclear Power Plants

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what security lapses have occurred in respect of trains carrying nuclear material since September 2003; and if she will make a statement.

Mike O'Brien: The movement of civil nuclear material in the UK is conducted in accordance with the Nuclear Industries Security Regulations 2003, which are administered and enforced by the Office for Civil Nuclear Security (OCNS).
	In December 2003, OCNS inspectors conducted a spot check of the security arrangements in place at Willesden Brent Sidings in London where BNFL's Direct Rail Services (DRS) marshal trains carrying spent nuclear fuel. This disclosed that approved guarding arrangements were not being carried out satisfactorily. Immediate action was taken by DRS to rectify the matter and there has been no recurrence.
	Fuller details of the incident, and the remedial action taken by DRS are contained in the 2004 Annual Report by the Director of Civil Nuclear Security, a copy of which is available in the Libraries of the House.

Nuclear Power Plants

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether nuclear material is transported (a) to and (b) from Bradwell power station; and if she will make a statement.

Mike O'Brien: holding answer 16 September 2004
	Bradwell nuclear power station ceased generation in March 2002 and is in the process of defuelling. Therefore no fuel is transported to the site, only from the site. This is scheduled for completion in 2005.

Radio Devices

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has received on the use of iTrips and similar such devices; and if she will make a statement.

Patricia Hewitt: I am not aware of any representations about the use of iTrips or similar devices.

Research and Development

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of public investment in research and development went to projects for which all or part of the results are kept from publication on grounds of commercial confidentiality in the latest period for which figures are available; and what trends the Government have identified relating to past and future variations in this proportion of public investment in research and development in the UK.

Patricia Hewitt: The information is not available. In general, the Government tries to keep to a minimum results produced from publicly funded projects which are kept from publications on grounds of commercial confidentiality.

Rural Phone Boxes

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on Government policy on BT's proposed withdrawal of rural phone boxes.

Stephen Timms: The regulation of the provision of public call boxes is a matter for Ofcom. Ofcom is due to consult publicly on the matter this autumn in the context of universal service provision of telecoms services.

Science and Innovation Investment Framework

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what definition of the terms (a) public sector and (b) business research and development used in the paper Science and Innovation Investment Framework 20042014, published in July, with particular reference to table 1.1 of that paper.

Patricia Hewitt: The sources for the statistics quoted in the Science and Innovation Investment Framework 20042014 paper are the UK Office for National Statistics RD surveys for the UK data and OECD for international comparisons. RD statistics for OECD countries are compiled in line with guidelines set out in the OECD's Frascati Manual.
	(a) Public sector includes:
	All UK-based departments, offices and other bodies which furnish, but normally do not sell to the community, those common services, other than higher education, which cannot otherwise be conveniently and economically provided, as well as those that administer the state and the economic and social policy of the community;
	UK-based non-profit institutions controlled and mainly financed by government, but not administered by the higher education sector; and
	UK-based non-market, private non-profit institutions serving households.
	(b) The business sector includes:
	All UK-based firms, organisations and institutions whose primary activity is the market production of goods or services (other than higher education) for sale to the general public at an economically significant price;
	The UK-based private non-profit institutions mainly serving them.
	The public sector is essentially composed of UK Government Departments, the Research Councils, Higher Education Institutions and private non-profit institutions. The business sector is all private enterprises in the UK.

Sellafield

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the court action being taken by the European Commission in respect of access arrangements for nuclear inspections at Sellafield, with particular reference to pond B30.

Nigel Griffiths: The Commission issued a press release dated 3 September 2004. The Department continues to seek a formal response on the detailed basis for the Commission's action, but I understand as of 10 September has yet to receive this. We have also continued to emphasise that the UK remains keen to engage in a full and co-operative dialogue with the Commission aimed at satisfactorily resolving the remaining Euratom Treaty safeguards issues at the B30 plant.
	Access for nuclear safeguards inspections is provided according to the terms of Chapter 7 of the Euratom Treaty and the UK's safeguards agreements with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The European Commission's published reports on its implementation of Euratom safeguards show that there is very considerable inspection effort in the UK (some 2400 days in 2002)about half of which effort is at the Sellafield site. Safeguards inspectors have not been denied access for their verification and inspection activities at the Sellafield site, or elsewhere in the UK. Safeguards inspectors, as much as anyone else, have of course to be protected by UK regulations relating to radiological dose/safetythis is a factor in their access to the B30 plant. It has also been clearly acknowledged that poor visibility caused by the condition of the material in the B30 pond hinders safeguards verification there.

Sellafield

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had relating to the termination of fuel reprocessing at Sellafield, with particular reference to (a) the timescale and (b) the cost to public funds.

Mike O'Brien: Discussions have taken place as part of the wider process of restructuring BNFL. BNFL expects to complete their existing order book for reprocessing spent fuel at THORP by around 2010. Operation of THORP beyond completion of the existing order book would be dependent on there being new contracts for reprocessing further spent fuel at the plant which, in the first instance, is dependent on there being customer demand.
	The Government's position on the future of THORP was set out in the July 2002 White Paper on Managing the Nuclear Legacy. We expect existing THORP contracts to be honoured. There are currently no proposals for new contracts for reprocessing further spent fuel at THORP. Before any such new THORP contracts could be concluded or changes made to existing contracts that increased the volume of spent fuel to be reprocessed at THORP, the approval of the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry would be required. Before making a decision on any such future proposal, the Government would review it against the specific criteria that were set out in the White Paper and would consult publicly.

Small Businesses

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what research her Department has commissioned on reducing the administrative burden for small businesses.

Nigel Griffiths: In August 2004, the Department commissioned Kingston University to undertake the first stage of a research project designed to identify the effects of regulation on small businesses at different stages of growth.

Small Businesses

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent action her Department has undertaken to support small businesses in the City of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Nigel Griffiths: Businesses can also access various DTI funding streams via Business Link Tyne and Wear.
	Tyne and Wear Small Business Fund, through the Regional Development Agency's Single Programme Funding, (managed by Tyne and Wear Development Company and delivered by each local authority) is a 50 per cent. Capital Equipment Grant of between 500 and 2,500 available to pre-start and new businessesup to 12 months old.
	The core funding provided to Business Link Tyne and Wear, has provided a foundation on which the Business Link has sourced additional funding projected at 14.5 million for the benefit of businesses in Tyne and Wear, for the year 200405. In 200304 around 7.5 million was made available to SME's based in Tyne and Wear as part of projects managed by Business Link Tyne and Wear. One of these projects offers a subsidy of up to 50 per cent. for management development training and upskilling the workforce to SME's across Tyne and Wear.
	The Employer Training Pilot, was piloted in Tyne and Wear during financial year 200304, and has been made available to businesses throughout the north east from April 2004. This helps businesses to improve the skills of their workforce by providing training tailored to their needs.

Small Businesses

Ross Cranston: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has received following the cross-cutting review of Government services for small businesses about (a) lack of consumer focus and (b) inefficiency charged to recipients of Government grants through expensive collateral costs, including consultants' and accountants' fees; and if she will make a statement.

Nigel Griffiths: I have received many representations from businesses and business representative organisations about improving the customer focus of Government services, in particular by simplifying and improving the accessibility of the support available.
	The Department has responded to this customer feedback in a number of ways. For example, following DTI's recent work on its business support portfolio, the range of support available has been rationalised to nine easy to use and easy to access products. Information on the website and in brochures is written in plain English, explaining what the products are and how to access them. Application processes have also been reviewed to make them easier for the customer to comply with. The changes mean that it is no longer necessary for businesses to make use of external professional advice or intervention to apply for and use the business support products.
	Responding to concerns expressed by small businesses that they find it difficult to establish their regulatory responsibilities, my Department has published a No-Nonsense Guide to Government rules and regulations for setting up your business. This brings together in one place, information about all the regulatory requirements applying to start-up and developing businesses.
	Working with other Departments, the DTI has also improved the customer focus of its e-services through the launch of the businesslink.gov web portal in April. The site joins up national e-government services for the UK's four million small and medium-sized businesses, providing a single access point to information from all Departments that are important to small businesses, such as the Inland Revenue and the Health and Safety Executive. The site is currently securing about 100,000 visitors each week, and has recently won the International Visual Communication Association's Gold Award for the best website of 2004.

Solar PV

Harold Best: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps her Department will take (a) to encourage further investment in the UK solar PV manufacturing industry and (b) to safeguard jobs in this sector when the first phase of the solar PV major demonstration programme ends.

Mike O'Brien: The DTI has this week announced a further 6 million of funding to extend the Major Photovoltaics Demonstration Programme (PV MDP) until March 2006; this brings the total funding allocated to this Programme to 31 million. In addition the Department has committed a total of 10 million to the large scale and domestic field trials. The DTI also supports Solar PV through its Technology Support Programme and through the Research Councils. This demonstrates the Governments intention to continue to support this industry and should encourage industry to continue to invest as well.
	A low carbon buildings programme, as recommended by the DTI/Carbon Trust Renewables Innovation Review, is expected to supersede these two programmes and help safeguard jobs in this sector. We continue to work closely with the Regional Development Agencies on investment by indigenous employers and on attracting inward investment. The Department particularly welcomes the announcements earlier this year on investment in solar manufacturing capability by Sharp and Romag.

Telephone Charges

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on (a) the fraudulent misuse of premium rate numbers on the internet and (b) Government efforts to solve the problem.

Mike O'Brien: The regulation of Premium Rate Services is a matter for the Independent Committee for the Supervision of Standards of Telephone Information Services, with statutory backing from the Office of Communications (Ofcom).
	The Government have recently asked Ofcom to review the regulation of Premium Rate Services (PRS) and Ofcom is due to report back at the beginning of October.

Telephone Charges

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consideration has been given to banning premium rate internet lines as a means of tackling fraudulent misuse of premium rate numbers.

Stephen Timms: The regulation of premium rate services is a matter for the Independent Committee for the Supervision of Standards of Telephone Information Services (ICSTIS), with statutory backing from the Office of Communications (Ofcom).
	The Government have recently asked Ofcom to review the regulation of Premium Rate Services (PRS) in order to examine strengthening ICSTIS' powers and Ofcom is due to report back at the beginning of October. ICSTIS, the Government and Ofcom have been considering all options, including banning PRS internet lines, for dealing with their fraudulent misuse.

Telephone Charges

Alan Hurst: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she has taken to tackle improper premium rate charges for telephone calls being added to telephone bills through internet connections; and if she will make a statement.

Mike O'Brien: The regulation of Premium Rate Services is a matter for the Independent Committee for the Supervision of Standards of Telephone Information Services (ICSTIS). The Government recently asked the Office of Communications (Ofcom) to carry out a review of PRS regulation in order to examine strengthening ICSTIS' powers. It is due to report back at the beginning of October.

Tissue Products

Nicholas Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will introduce legislation on the accurate labelling of tissue products; and what recent representations she has received from the Association of Makers of Soft Tissue Papers on the labelling of tissue products.

Gerry Sutcliffe: We have received no representation from the Association of Makers of Soft Tissue Papers. I have received your related letter of 2 September 2004 and will respond in due course. There are no plans to introduce legislation on the labelling of tissue products.

Unsolicited Goods and Services Act 1971

Brian Cotter: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many prosecutions there have been under the Unsolicited Goods and Services Act 1971 (a) since the introduction of the Act and (b) in each of the last five years.

Gerry Sutcliffe: holding answer 13 September 2004
	The Department of Trade and Industry does not collect statistics relating to the number of prosecutions made under the Unsolicited Goods and Services Act 1971.
	Local authority trading standards departments are responsible for enforcement of the Act and will each keep a record of prosecutions they have taken.

Weapon Component Exports

Richard Younger-Ross: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps are being taken to block the practice by some armaments manufacturers and exporters of exporting components of particular weapons to particular states where they can then be assembled and so avoid Government refusal to export particular weapons.

Nigel Griffiths: HMG assesses export licence application for component against the consolidated EU and national arms export licensing criteria in the same way as main equipment. Full account of the equipment's potential end-use and destination as well as the stated end-use and destination is taken when making our licensing assessment. HMG also considers whether components are for use in licensed production and if so take account of any associated risks in the licensing assessment. HMG would not issue a licence where there was a clear risk the equipment would be misused or diverted. On making this decision HMG use information form a wide variety of sources, including overseas posts, NGOs, intelligence and historical licensing records.

Working Hours

Denzil Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what her estimate is of the average number of hours worked by UK employees in the latest year for which figures are available.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The average of hours worked (that is total hours excluding overtime) for the last year is as follows:
	
		
			 Spring Hours 
		
		
			 2004 34.38 
			 2003 34.45 
		
	
	These figures are produced monthly in Labour Market Trends, an ONS publication.

CABINET OFFICE

Departmental Accounting Practice

Richard Bacon: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office who the Finance Director of the (a) Central Office of Information and (b) Cabinet Office is; what accountancy qualifications each Director holds; and on how many occasions there has been a qualified opinion on (i) the resource accounts and (ii) other accounts of each in the last five years.

Ruth Kelly: The Finance Director of the Central Office of Information is Graham Beasant, who is a Chartered Management Accountant.
	In the last five years:
	No Resource Accounts have been qualified.
	No Trading Fund Accounts have been qualified.
	The Finance Director of the Cabinet Office is Jerry Page, who is a Chartered Management Accountant.
	In the last five years:
	Resource Accounts 19992000 received a qualified opinion and Resource Accounts 200203 received a disclaimer opinion, (that is the Comptroller and Auditor General was unable to form an opinion because the Accounts were not presented to him in sufficient time).
	Appropriation Accounts ceased in 200001 with the introduction of Resource Accounts. During their life, no Appropriation Accounts were qualified.
	The main reason for the disclaimer opinion on the 200203 accounts was because of deficiencies in the Cabinet Office financial systems and processes, which meant that the accounts took several months to prepare. The Cabinet Office is currently undertaking a major overhaul of its financial systems and processes to help it meet the Treasury's Faster Closing timetable, and consequently future years' accounts should be produced much more quickly, avoiding any disclaimed opinions.

Drugs

Paul Flynn: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how much the report produced by the Strategy Unit about the impact of interventions on the drug supply chain from international production to distribution within the UK cost; and whether it was funded using public money.

Alan Milburn: The Strategy Unit took forward a study on high-harm-causing drugs, working closely with the Home Office and other key Departments. The study reviewed the impact of interventions on the drug supply chain from international production to distribution within the UK.
	The Strategy Unit undertakes a range of public and private work. The total budget for the Unit for the last financial year (200304) was 4.7 million.
	The Government's National Drug Strategy and a press notice are available on the Home Office website at www.drugs.gov.uk/ReportsandPublications/NationalStrategy/1038840683

Public Shareholdings

Gregory Barker: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will make a statement on her Department's authority over the Government's public shareholder interests.

Patricia Hewitt: I have been asked to reply.
	While my Department has no direct authority over all of the Government's public shareholder interests, the Shareholder Executive, now located in the DTI, was set up last year as a small cross-cutting team with the remit to improve fundamentally the professionalism of Departments in exercising their shareholder roles. Its Chief Executive reports directly to the Cabinet Secretary in relation to this role. The Shareholder Executive discharges its responsibility by providing advice to a range of Departments on their shareholdings and by being directly responsible for a number of other shareholdings. Specifically, it reports to me on the DTI's shareholder role in relation to Royal Mail, BNFL, UKAEA and ECGD, to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury in respect of Partnerships-UK and Royal Mint (once the current review of the Mint is completed) and to the Secretary of State for International Development on Actis.

Strategy Unit

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many projects undertaken by the Strategy Unit since its creation have had a direct impact on (a) the Bridgwater parliamentary constituency and (b) the South West; and what assessment he has made of their effect on those areas.

Alan Milburn: The Strategy Unit carries out a range of functions including:
	long-term strategic reviews of major areas of policy;
	studies of cross-cutting policy issues;
	working with Departments to promote strategic thinking and improve policy-making across Whitehall; and
	work to improve the quality and standards of Government social research.
	A full list of the unit's projects is available on its website at www.strategy.gov.uk.
	No assessment of the regional impact of the unit's work has been carried out.

DEFENCE

Aircraft Carriers (Escorts)

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what level of escorts the two proposed aircraft carriers will require.

Adam Ingram: The level of escort required by aircraft carriers is dependent upon the environment in which it is operating, although routinely such ships operate as part of a Task Group. Current surface escort ships include Type 42 Anti-Air Warfare Destroyers and Type 22 and 23 Frigates. The capability currently provided by Type 42 will be enhanced by the introduction of the Type 45 destroyer, equipped with the Principal Anti-Air Missile System (PAAMS).

Armed Forces Staffing Levels

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the UK armed forces full-time strength (a) numbers and (b) requirements are for each of the three forces.

Adam Ingram: I refer the hon. Member to Tri-Service Publication (TSP) 3:UK Armed Forces Strengths and Requirements.
	This is available in the House of Commons Library and is updated on a monthly basis.
	TSP 3 for 1 August 2004 was published on 14 September 2004. The 1 September 2004 issue is due for publication between 29 September and 13 October.

AWE Aldermaston

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what environmental impact assessment has been conducted on the planned hydrodynamics explosives testing facility at AWE Aldermaston; and what his estimate is of the cost of the facility.

Adam Ingram: A number of options for such a facility are still under consideration and mature costings are therefore not available. Environmental impact is one of a range of issues that will be addressed in the normal way as our plans develop.

Chinook ZD576

James Arbuthnot: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who defined the terms of reference of the RAF Board of Inquiry into the aircraft accident of Chinook ZD576 on 2 June 1994; and who advised the President of the Board of Inquiry of the terms of reference.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 16 September 2004
	The Air Officer Commanding No. 1 Group, as the convening Officer, with advice from No. 1 Group Flight Safety Staff, drafted the Terms of Reference. The Board, including the President, were then given a brief by the Air Officer Commanding 1Gp on their Terms of Reference before starting the Board of Inquiry.

Civil Emergencies

Mike Wood: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the likely impact of proposed changes in defence spending on resources available to respond to UK civil emergencies.

Adam Ingram: Our White Paper Delivering Security in a Changing World: Future Capabilities made clear our continued commitment to supporting the civil authorities charged with the safety and security in the United Kingdom, both through routine tasks and our preparedness to support them in a time of crisis. The changes we have announced, underpinned by the increases in defence spending provided in the 2004 Spending Review, will make our armed forces even more flexible and adaptable.

Civil Service (Job Losses)

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which services within his Department will be (a) affected by and (b) subject to job losses consequent on the cuts in the civil service announced in the Spending Review.

Ivor Caplin: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on 16 September 2004, Official Report, column 1659W, by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury.

Coastal Protection (Northern Ireland)

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the impact on security of his decision to decommission three coastal protection vessels in Northern Ireland.

Adam Ingram: The decision to withdraw from service by April 2007 the three hunt-class patrol vessels from Northern Ireland coastal waters reflected the Chief Constable's and General Officer Commanding's assessment of the improved security situation in Northern Ireland.

Colchester Garrison

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  whether the sale of family accommodation and land at Colchester Garrison to Annington Homes included provision for Annington to share with the Government the proceeds of future sales to others; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  how many units of family accommodation at Colchester Garrison were sold to Annington Homes;
	(3)  what the average price per dwelling received was from the sale of family accommodation at Colchester Garrison to Annington Homes.

Ivor Caplin: Under the terms of the 1996 Sale Agreement the Exchequer benefits from a Profit Share arrangement following subsequent disposal by Annington Homes Ltd. of surplus houses handed back by the Ministry of Defence. This arrangement applies for the first 15 years following the 1996 sale and is based on a sliding percentage of the profit made by the Company after allowable overheads have been deducted. To date the Exchequer has received approximately 100 million under this arrangement.
	1,400 properties in the Colchester area were included in the 1996 sale and leaseback agreement with Annington Homes Ltd. The average price received for all properties included in the 1996 arrangement with Annington Homes Ltd was in the region of 29,000.

Colombia

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will end UK military aid to Colombia; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: No. British military assistance to Colombia is focused primarily on Explosive Ordinance Disposal training, and provision of British military education. It complements Colombian efforts to reduce the number of deaths, both civilian and military, from explosive devices, and introduces Colombian military personnel to British defence concepts in key areas such as Rules of Engagement and democratic and accountable control of the armed forces. In view of the clear humanitarian benefits this British military assistance offers to the Colombian people, we do not intend to suspend it.

Colombia

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what British military assistance has been received by the Colombian Army 2nd Division.

Adam Ingram: The Colombian Army 2nd Division has received no specific British military assistance.

Contract DC4BESL/1002

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the time scale for the supply of equipment for the contract DC2ESL/3122 Op Telic.

Adam Ingram: The invitation to tender, which included this Operation Telic clothing requirement, sought the best delivery schedule possible. The deliveries against orders placed are expected to meet the required delivery date of January 2005.

Cooking Oils

Gary Streeter: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what plans his Department has to sell its used cooking oils to overseas purchasers; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  if he will make a statement on his Department's plans to collect used cooking oils and sell them to be used in the manufacture of diesel.

Ivor Caplin: holding answer 16 September 2004
	I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

Defence Attachs

Paul Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost was of defence attachs in each financial year since 200102.

Adam Ingram: The overall cost of Defence Attachs in each financial year since 200102 are not held centrally. Costs readily available are as follows:
	
		
			 Financial Year Costs identified ( million) 
		
		
			 200102 37.2 
			 200203 37.1 
			 200304 38.1 
		
	
	Under the terms of the MOD/FCO Service Level Agreement, costs are shared with the FCO which pays 30 per cent. of the total in respect of accommodation, fixed communications, security and some other support costs. The figures above are the 70 per cent. total costs of Defence Attaches attributable to the Defence Budget. These figures include:
	Salary.
	Cost of Allowances, Travel and Subsistence.
	Direct Representational Expenses.
	Utilities, vehicles, office machinery, IT, children's school fees.
	Medical/Dental costs.
	Personal Security enhancements.
	Associated Support costs.

Defence Aviation Repair Agency

Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list his Department's turnover for (a) the Defence Aviation Repair Agency for each of the financial years 200102 to 200304 and (b) the Army Base Repair Organisation for each of the financial years (i) 200203 and (ii) 200304.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 16 September 2004
	Turnover figures for both the Defence Aviation Repair Agency (DARA), and the Army Base Repair Organisation (ABRO) are published annually in their Annual Report and Accounts, copies of which are held in the Libraries of the House. They are also accessible on the Agencies' website: www.dara.mod.uk and www.abro.mod.uk respectively.
	
		DARA's Turnover Figures
		
			 Financial Year  million 
		
		
			 200102 228.9 
			 200203 196.6 
			 200304 189.5 
		
	
	
		ABRO's Turnover Figures
		
			 Financial Year  million 
		
		
			 200203 157.2 
			 200304 150.8

Defence Diversification Agency/Council

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the activities of the Defence Diversification Agency are; who the senior employee is; how much it spent in (a) 200102, (b) 200203 and (c) 200304; and what its budget is for 200405.

Adam Ingram: The Defence Diversification Agency continues to pursue its original aims of encouraging the wider use of defence science and technology in the civil sector, encouraging the transfer of suitable civil technology into military programmes and assisting the defence industry with their own diversification planning. The Agency is headed by Professor Damien McDonnell OBE. Gross expenditure in 200102 was 2.6 million, in 200203 4.1 million and 200304 4.6 million. The budget for the current year is 5.5 million.

Defence Diversification Agency/Council

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the members of the Defence Diversification Council; and how frequently it meets.

Adam Ingram: The formation of a Defence Diversification Council has not been pursued pending the completion of an internal review of the Defence Diversification Agency.

Defence Information Infrastructure Contract

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to announce the preferred bidder for the Defence Information Infrastructure (Future) contract.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 13 September 2004
	It is intended that the identity of the Preferred Bidder for the Defence Information Infrastructure (Future) contract will be announced early in 2005.

Defence Information Infrastructure Contract

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on the consequences for jobs and skills in North West England of decisions he may take on the Defence Information Infrastructure (Future) contract.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 13 September 2004
	No discussions have taken place between my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Defence and the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry with reference to the impact of the Defence Information Infrastructure (Future) (DII(Future)) contract. However, as part of the Assessment Phase for DII (Future), officials from the Supplier Relations Group in the Defence Procurement Agency have liaised with the Aerospace and Defence Unit of the DTI in respect of the UK impact of the respective bidders' proposals.

Defence Spending Review

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the implications of (a) the Defence Spending Review and (b) the proposals set out in his oral statement on future capabilities for defence on 21 July for (i) RAF Leeming, (ii) RAF Linton on Ouse, (iii) AAC Dishforth and (iv) Alanbrooke Barracks; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: The Defence White Paper Delivering Security in a Changing World: Future Capabilities published on 21 July set out our future plans for Defence. The White Paper took account of the Spending Review 2004 settlement for Defence. As the White Paper set out, we intend to disband a Tornado F3 squadron based at RAF Leeming by the end of October 2005. The Hawk squadron will continue to be based there. The future role of the base will be considered as part of a wider review of Defence Airfields. RAF Linton on Ouse and AAC Dishforth are also within the scope of the Defence Airfield Review, which will be completed in 2005.
	There are no plans to close Alanbrooke Barracks at Topcliffe. We are, however, examining the type of unit that is based there as a result of work on the Future Army Structure. The future need for the Airfield at the barracks is to be considered under the Defence Airfield Review. This is not expected to have any impact on the Army's use of the barracks.

Departmental Recycling

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the latest available 12 month figures are for the proportion of the Department's redundant documentation, waste paper and card that is recycled; and if he will make a statement on the Department's recycling policy.

Ivor Caplin: At this current time the Ministry of Defence does not hold data on the proportion of its paper, cardboard and redundant documentation that is consigned for recycling.
	MOD policy on waste management and recycling is set out in Joint Services Publication 418, the MOD Environment Manual, a copy of which is available in the Library of the House. Departmental policy also takes account of the requirements of the waste targets contained within the Framework for Sustainable Development on the Government Estate.

Departmental Staff

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) regular military personnel, (b) Territorial Army and other part-time military personnel and (c) civilian personnel have been employed by his Department in (i) total, (ii) Yorkshire and the Humber, (iii) North Yorkshire and (iv) City of York in each year since 1979.

Ivor Caplin: The information requested is as follows:
	(a) (i) The total number of UK regular forces as at 1 April for each year since 1979 is as follows:
	
		
			  Total 
		
		
			 2004 207,020 
			 2003 206,920 
			 2002 204,690 
			 2001 205,650 
			 2000 207,620 
			 1999 208,640 
			 1998 210,140 
			 1997 210,820 
			 1996 221,870 
			 1995 233,340 
			 1994 254,490 
			 1993 274,850 
			 1992 293,440 
			 1991 298,060 
			 1990 305,710 
			 1989 311,650 
			 1988 316,900 
			 1987 319,850 
			 1986 322,510 
			 1985 326,220 
			 1984 325,910 
			 1983 320,620 
			 1982 327,650 
			 1981 333,760 
			 1980 320,600 
			 1979 314,900 
		
	
	(ii) The total number of UK regular forces in (ii) Yorkshire and Humber, (iii) North Yorkshire and (iv) City of York as at 1 July for each year since 1979 is given in the following table:
	
		
			  Yorkshire and Humber North Yorkshire York 
		
		
			 2004 n/a n/a n/a 
			 2003 n/a n/a n/a 
			 2002 13,840 12,070 680 
			 2001 12,800 11,030 650 
			 2000 13,060 11,240 740 
			 1999 11,040 9,590 700 
			 1998 12,090 10,220 750 
			 1997 10,960 9,500 810 
			 1996 12,150 10,130 940 
			 1995 12,320 10,620 560 
			 1994 12,790 10,820 2,070 
			 1993 13,340 11,790 1,130 
			 1992 15,770 13,430 1,050 
			 1991 15,260 12,660 1,110 
			 1990 15,520 12,840 1,040 
			 1989 15,250 12,290 1,100 
			 1988 15,360 12,290 1,210 
			 1987 14,450 11,120 1,180 
			 1986 14,750 11,520 1,090 
			 1985 14,770 11,730 1,150 
			 1984 14,780 12,030 1,160 
			 1983 14,870 11,750 1,150 
			 1982 13,500 10,470 620 
			 1981 13,610 10,620 630 
			 1980 14,620 11,520 670 
			 1979 13,920 11,100 700 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. The figures in part (a) are for UK regular forces, both trained and untrained; they therefore exclude Gurkhas, full-time Reserve Service personnel, the Home Service battalions of the Royal Irish Regiment and mobilised reservists.
	2. All figures have been rounded to the nearest 10.
	3. n/a denotes unavailable.
	(b) (i) The total number of Reserve forces is given in the following table as at 1 April for each year since 1979:
	
		
			  Total 
		
		
			 2004 245,020 
			 2003 257,880 
			 2002 271,520 
			 2001 282,550 
			 2000 293,100 
			 1999 305,440 
			 1998 317,880 
			 1997 321,980 
			 1996 326,640 
			 1995 328,780 
			 1994 333,490 
			 1993 334,270 
			 1992 340,950 
			 1991 339,550 
			 1990 332,010 
			 1989 320,260 
			 1988 313,520 
			 1987 307,790 
			 1986 297,800 
			 1985 286,950 
			 1984 276,800 
			 1983 273,460 
			 1982 275,550 
			 1981 272,990 
			 1980 262,030 
			 1979 255,280 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. All tables include Mobilised/Activated Reservists but exclude Reservists serving in a Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS) role.
	2. All figures are rounded to the nearest 10.
	(ii), (iii) and (iv) Reserve Service personnel data by location are unavailable.
	(c) (i) The number of full-time equivalent civilian personnel in the MOD as at 1 April for each year since 1979 is as follows:
	
		
			  Total 
		
		
			 2004 109,050 
			 2003 107,580 
			 2002 110,090 
			 2001 118,170 
			 2000 121,290 
			 1999 123,010 
			 1998 126,290 
			 1997 133,330 
			 1996 135,360 
			 1995 141,140 
			 1994 148,790 
			 1993(18) 159,570 
			 1992 139,450 
			 1991 140,200 
			 1990 141,370 
			 1989 141,320 
			 1988 143,400 
			 1987 164,000 
			 1986 169,460 
			 1985 174,080 
			 1984 181,180 
			 1983 190,330 
			 1982 197,490 
			 1981 208,760 
			 1980 218,030 
			 1979 224,700 
		
	
	(18) Figures from 1993 onwards are calculated according to the revised definition of civilian personnel. Prior to this, numbers given are for permanent, full-time equivalent staff, non-industrial and industrial, including Trading Funds and excluding those on career breaks, long-term sick leave, secondment etc.
	Note:
	All figures are rounded to the nearest 10.
	(ii) The number of full-time equivalent civilian personnel in the Yorkshire and the Humber economic planning region /Government Office Region as at 1 July for each year since 1979 is as follows:
	
		
			  Total 
		
		
			 2004 3,940 
			 2003 3,540 
			 2002 3,450 
			 2001 3,340 
			 2000 3,270 
			 1999 3,430 
			 1998 3,490 
			 1997 3,430 
			 1996 3,830 
			 1995 4,550 
			 1994(19) 4,970 
			 1993 5,310 
			 1992 5,550 
			 1991 5,710 
			 1990 5,960 
			 1989 5,780 
			 1988 5,890 
			 1987 6,040 
			 1986 6,300 
			 1985 6,340 
			 1984 n/a 
			 1983 n/a 
			 1982 n/a 
			 1981 n/a 
			 1980 n/a 
			 1979 n/a 
		
	
	(19) Figures from 1994 onwards are calculated according to the revised definition of civilian personnel. Prior to this, numbers given are for permanent, full-time equivalent staff, non-industrial and industrial, including Trading Funds and excluding those on career breaks, long-term sick leave, secondment etc. No figures are available prior to 1985.
	Notes:
	1. All figures are rounded to the nearest 10.
	2. n/a denotes unavailable.
	(iii), (iv) Reliable data are not available below Government Office Region level.

Detainees (US)

Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assistance the UK has provided to the US authorities in the detention and interrogation of terrorist suspects; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: Three United Kingdom forces personnel were involved in interrogation and debriefing of individuals held by United States Authorities at Abu Ghraib prison in early 2004, some of whom had suspected links to terrorism. In addition, UK armed forces personnel who are part of the Iraq Survey Group have been involved in interrogation and questioning of US detainees. In no other current operation have UK military personnel interrogated US detainees.

Far East Prisoners of War

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many former Far East prisoners of war in Pendle received an ex gratia award of 10,000.

Ivor Caplin: The information requested could only be found by manually checking the individual claims of all successful applicants under the Ex Gratia Payment Scheme for Far East Prisoners of War and Civilian Internees, a number now approaching 24,000. This work could be carried out only at disproportionate cost.

FRES Programme

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the (a) total budget and (b) budget timetable for the Future Rapid Effect System programme.

Adam Ingram: The full Future Rapid Effect System (FRES) programme cost has yet to be established, but the provision for acquisition could be in the region of 6 billion. Whole life costs are estimated at 49 billion. FRES is in the early stages of its Assessment Phase, during which a range of options to meet the requirement will be considered. Once we are clearer as to the options available we can better determine the funding profile.

FRES Programme

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which other countries will be part of the Future Rapid Effect System programme; and whether it will be compatible with the equivalent US system.

Adam Ingram: The Future Rapid Effect System is expected to support joint operations with NATO allies. Co-operation during the Assessment Phase is likely to focus on harmonising requirements for interoperability in support of coalition operations and mitigating common areas of technology risk. However, opportunities for collaborating on sub-systems and sharing information on technologies and requirements will be explored during the Assessment Phase, and the scope for future collaboration assessed prior to the Main Gate investment decision.

FRES Programme

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which present and future vehicles will carry the Future Rapid Effects System.

Adam Ingram: The Future Rapid Effect System (FRES) will not be carried on present and future vehicles. FRES is the generic name for the capability being sought to enhance the deployability of Land Forces. It is anticipated that the capability will be provided by a family of medium-weight, networked armoured vehicles. Concurrently, FRES will replace the CVR(T) series, Saxon and elements of the existing FV430 series.

FRES Programme

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Future Rapid Effect System will be operational without other countries providing spares or holding necessary hardware.

Adam Ingram: As laid down in our Defence Industrial Policy, we are firmly committed to promoting a strong and competitive UK defence manufacturing industry. Our policy enables us to evaluate industrial capabilities and take decisions on whether there is a need to retain these in the UK against defined criteria. This will be one factor taken into account as part of the main investment decision.

FRES Programme

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Future Rapid Effect System will be operational by 2010.

Adam Ingram: The Future Rapid Effect System (FRES) has recently achieved Initial Gate approval, and is now in its Assessment Phase. Part of this Assessment Phase work will be to identify and reduce risk in the programme to enable us to define an appropriate In-Service Date (ISD) in both capability and programme terms for endorsement at Main Gate. The ISD will not be formally endorsed until then, but our initial planning assumption is to introduce the early variants of FRES around the end of the decade, with a phased approach to achieving full operational capability.

FRES Programme

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what international peacekeeping and stability roles the Future Rapid Effect System will have; and what role it will have in post conflict reconstruction.

Adam Ingram: The Future Rapid Effect System (FRES) will be the central pillar of a capable, coherent and highly deployable medium force with broad utility across the spectrum of operations. It is envisaged that its wide operational utility and its ability to deploy rapidly will enhance the UK's ability to contribute to appropriate peacekeeping, stability and post-conflict resolution operations.

FRES Programme

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the projected cost is of each Future Rapid Effect System unit.

Adam Ingram: The Future Rapid Effect System Project is in the early stages of its Assessment Phase; it is therefore too early to determine the unit cost. Part of the Assessment work will focus on developing a series of affordable options for meeting the requirement.

Gurkha Service Personnel

Paul Truswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received regarding the provision of (a) pensions and (b) other forms of support to Gurkha Service personnel who have served with HM forces; and if he will make a statement.

Ivor Caplin: I receive representations from members of both Houses and from interested individuals and organisations about a range of issues, including pensions and other forms of support to Gurkha Service personnel. These have included comparisons between British and Gurkha soldiers' pay and pensions; confusion about the benefits Gurkhas are entitled to; and comments about their treatment by successive British Governments.
	Gurkha pay, allowances and pensions are regularly reviewed. In terms of welfare provision to Gurkhas following discharge from the Army, MOD makes a substantial annual grant to cover the administrative costs of the Gurkha Welfare Trust in support of the charity's work in Nepal.

HMS Vanguard

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the original date was for the re-commissioning of HMS Vanguard; what the current forecast is; what procedures have still to be completed; what the reasons are for the delay; what the (a) original cost estimate was and (b) what the current cost estimate is; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: HMS Vanguard was originally due to return to the fleet in the third quarter of 2004. Her return to fleet is currently forecast for the second quarter of 2005. The main procedures still to be completed are working up of the nuclear reactor, preparations for and undertaking sea trials.
	The underpinning reasons for the delay stem from the fact that this is the first time a Vanguard Class submarine has undergone a Long Overhaul Period or been refuelled. It is also the first fit of a new design reactor core and the first use of DML's new nuclear refitting and refuelling facility for Vanguard Class submarines. As is usual with major refits and Long Overhaul periods, there has also been an element of work that cannot be pre-planned in the regeneration of the equipment that has been dormant during the Long Overhaul Period (Refuelling).
	The direct cost of the Long Overhaul Period (Refuelling) remains within the originally approved total of approximately 210 million (at outturn prices). However, the Department is currently negotiating with Devonport Management Ltd. on consequential costs as a result of the delay to HMS Vanguard leaving the dockyard. It is too early to say what the outcome of these negotiations will be.

Infantry Battalions

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the expected financial saving will be from the reduction of infantry battalions; and who will take the decision on which infantry battalions are to be disbanded.

Adam Ingram: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence announced to the House on 21 July 2004, Official Report, columns 34350, plans to transform the armed forces to ensure they are structured, equipped and trained to meet the challenges of the 21st Century. As part of this transformation the Army will restructure its infantry, taking into account the decision to cease arms plotting and the planned reduction in the number of infantry battalions as a result of the improving situation in Northern Ireland. The manpower freed up from the reductions in infantry battalions will be reinvested across the Army in a rebalancing exercise, to strengthen key enabling capabilities such as signals, logistics, engineers and intelligence and to fill gaps elsewhere in the infantry.
	The Army is working on the details of the new structure and recommendations will be made to Ministers for approval before the end of this year.

Infantry Battalions

Edward Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the interval was between overseas or Northern Ireland operational tours for each infantry battalion since 1 June 1997, and what the (a) nature and (b) date of each operational tour on which each infantry battalion was deployed.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 7 September 2004
	The details of operational tours and tour intervals for each infantry battalion since 1 June 1997 are not held centrally and can only be provided at disproportionate cost. I can, however, provide the details from 1 July 2001 to 1 July 2004 and these can be found in the following table.
	Deployments have been defined as unaccompanied unit level operational tours.
	
		
			 Regiment Operational tour Interval Operational tour Interval Operational tour Interval Operational tour 
		
		
			 1st Battalion. The Grenadier Guards Northern Ireland. November 2001-May 2002 14 months Falkland Islands July 2003 -October 2003 
			 1st Battalion. The Coldstream Guards
			 1st Battalion. The Scots Guards Northern Ireland. May 2001-November 2001   
			 1st Battalion. The Irish Guards Iraq February-June 2003 5 month Northern Ireland December 2003March 2004 
			 1st Battalion. The Welsh Guards Bosnia April-September 2002   
			 1 Battalion. The Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment) Bosnia. October 2002-March 2003 7 months Iraq November 2003April 2004 
			 1 Battalion. The Royal Highland Fusiliers (Princess Margaret's Own Glasgow and Ayrshire Regiment) Falkland Islands. November 2003-April 2004   
			 1st Battalion. The Kings Own Scottish Borderers Northern Ireland. September 2001-March 2002 14 months Iraq July -October 2003 
			 1st Battalion. The Black Watch (The Highland Regiment) Kosovo July -November 2001 15 months Iraq February-June 2003 12 months Iraq July 2004-   
			 1st Battalion. The Highlanders (Seaforth, Gordons and Camerons) Kosovo January-May 2002 10 months Bosnia April-October 2003 
			 1st Battalion. The Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders (Princess Louise's) Iraq January-July 2004   
			 1st Battalion. The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment (Queen's and Royal Hampshires) Kosovo May -December 2002 16 months Iraq April 2004 - 
			 2nd Battalion. The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment (Queen's and Royal Hampshires) Northern Ireland June-November 2003   
			 1st Battalion. The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Iraq February-June 2003 4 months ISRTF November 2003May 2004 
			 2nd Battalion. The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Northern Ireland December 2001-June 2002 10 months Northern Ireland April-August 2003 
			 1st Battalion. The Royal Anglian Regiment Afghanistan March-September 2002   
			 2nd Battalion. The Royal Anglian Regiment Northern Ireland June-December 2002 3 months Afghanistan March-October 2003 
			 1st Battalion. The Kings Own Royal Border Regiment Falkland Islands November 2001-February 2002 26 months Northern Ireland June 2004 - 
			 1st Battalion. The Kings Regiment Iraq July-November 2003 6 months Kosovo May 2004- 
			 1* Battalion The Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire Bosnia April 2004-   
			 1st Battalion. The Green Howards (Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own Yorkshire Regiment) Afghanistan April 2004-   
			 1st Battalion. The Queens Lancashire Regiment Northern Ireland March-September 2001 21 months Iraq July-October 2003 
			 1st Battalion. The Duke of Wellington's Regiment (West Riding) Iraq March-July 2003 0 months Kosovo JulyNovember 2003 
			 1st Battalion. The Royal Irish Regiment (27th (Inniskilling), 83rd, 87* and The Ulster Defence Regiment) Northern Ireland June-December 2001 13 months Iraq February-May 2003 
			 1st Battalion. The Devonshire and Dorset Regiment
			 1st Battalion The Cheshire Regiment Northern Ireland June-December 2002 15 months Iraq April 2004- 
			 1st Battalion. The Royal Welsh Fusiliers Northern Ireland June-December 2001 28 months Iraq April 2004 - 
			 1st Battalion. The Royal Regiment of Wales (24*741* Foot) Kosovo November 2001-May 2002 16 months Iraq November 2003April 2004 
			 1* Battalion. The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment Northern Ireland December 2002-June 2003 11 months Falkland Islands (Sub Unit) May 2004 
			 1st Battalion. The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment (29*745* Foot) Northern Ireland May-December 2003   
			 1st Battalion. The Staffordshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales's) Kosovo November 2002-May 2003   
			 1st Battalion. The Light Infantry Iraq February-June 2003 5 month Iraq November 2003April 2004 
			 2nd Battalion. The Light Infantry Falkland Islands November 2002-July 2003 2 months Iraq September-November 20003 
			 1st Battalion. The Royal Green Jackets Northern Ireland May-November 2002 10 months Iraq September-December 2003 3 months Northern Ireland March 2004 -   
			 2nd Battalion. The Royal Green Jackets Bosnia June-November 2001   
			 1st Battalion. The Royal Gurkha Rifles Sierra Leone January-July 2002 14 months Bosnia October 2003-April 2004 
			 2nd Battalion. The Royal Gurkha Rifles Bosnia November 2001-May 2002 17 months Afghanistan October 2003-April 2004 
			 1st Battalion. The Parachute Regiment Iraq February-July 2003   
			 2nd Battalion. The Parachute Regiment Afghanistan January-March 2002 3 months Falkland Islands (Sub Unit) JulySeptember 2002 0 months Northern Ireland September 2002-April 2003 7 months Iraq December 2003-March 2004 
			 3rd Battalion. The Parachute Regiment Northern Ireland December 2001-May 2002 0 months Falkland Islands (Sub Unit) May-July 2002 5 months Iraq February-July 2003 10 months Northern Ireland May 2004- 
		
	
	Note:
	Intervals have been rounded where deployment began other than at the start or end of the month.

Iraq

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the wording is of the aide memoire card on the law of armed conflict supplied to UK military personnel deploying to Iraq; how many of these cards have been issued; and how many have been printed.

Adam Ingram: A copy of the aide memoire will be placed in the library of the house. 20,000 copies were printed and issued as part of a training programme for troops deployed to Iraq.

Iraq

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether members of his departmental staff were informed in July 2003 that the Secret Intelligence Service in that month had withdrawn reporting from a source who claimed that the production of biological and chemical agents had been accelerated by the Iraqi regime, because the source of the reporting had subsequently been deemed unreliable.

Geoff Hoon: We have nothing further to add to the remarks that were made in the debate on Iraq on 20 July.

Iraq

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of HM Forces were injured in Iraq (a) during the war and (b) subsequently; and in each case how many were returned to the UK for medical treatment.

Tam Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  how many British troops have been repatriated from Iraq to the UK because of physical or mental illness;
	(2)  how many British troops have been injured in (a) combat and (b) non-combat duties in Iraq.

Adam Ingram: 155 UK military personnel were injured in combat during decisive combat operations but we do not hold centrally the number medically evacuated in the period.
	To date 2,703 UK military personnel have been medically evacuated from Iraq. We do not hold centrally records of the number of injured personnel who were treated locally and then returned to duty without being medically evacuated.

Iraq

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to make a separate status of forces agreement with the Iraqi Government.

Adam Ingram: There are no plans at the present time to make a separate status of forces agreement with the Iraqi Government.
	Under Article 59 of the Transitional Administrative Law (the law for the administration of Iraq during the transition periodpromulgated by the Iraqi Governing Council in March 2004), the Iraqi Interim Government has no powers to conclude any binding international agreements, which would include status of forces agreements. This power will belong to the elected Transitional Government.
	Until the Transitional Government is in place, Coalition Provisional Authority Order 17 covers the terms of the MNF presence in Iraq, and includes those areas which would normally be covered in a status of forces agreement.

Iraq

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what safeguards have been put in place by his Department to prevent the mistreatment of detainees in Iraq.

Adam Ingram: All United Kingdom armed forces personnel deployed to Iraq are trained to treat prisoners in accordance with the Geneva Conventions. In addition, each major unit has a number of personnel specially trained in prisoner handling.
	In Theatre there are clear procedures for the running of the Divisional Temporary Detention Facility (DTDF). Their operation is monitored through regular inspections and visits.

Iraq

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans his Department has to provide security (a) before, (b) during and (c) after elections in Iraq.

Adam Ingram: There are some 9,200 UK personnel committed to Iraq whose role is to assist the Iraqi Interim Government and Iraq Security Forces in the provision of security.
	Iraqi Government and Multinational Force commanders continue to consider the levels and dispositions of forces required in Iraq in the months ahead, to support the process leading to the election of a Transitional Assembly and Government early in 2005.
	If it is judged that further changes to the UK military contribution in Iraq would be appropriate to support this process, we will of course inform the House at the earliest opportunity. At present, however, no decision has been taken.

Iraq

Tam Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British troops serving in Iraq have subsequently been invalided out of the armed forces.

Adam Ingram: As at 31 July 2004 centrally held records show that 46 service personnel who had been deployed on Operation Telic, between 18 January 2003 and 30 June 2004, have subsequently been medically discharged from the Armed Forces either as a result of injuries received or as a result of disease-related causes.

Iraq

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of HM forces have lost their lives in Iraq since 1 July 2003.

Adam Ingram: Between 1 July 2003 and 10 September 2004, 23 members of the UK armed forces were killed while engaged on operations in Iraq.

Iraq

Mike Wood: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will reintroduce the free parcel service to troops in Iraq.

Adam Ingram: I refer the hon. Member to my written ministerial statement of 27 February 2004, Official Report, column 70WS, and subsequent answers of 5 March 2004, Official Report, column 1155W, to the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South (Mr. Hancock), 1 April 2004, Official Report, column 1605W, to the hon. Member for Mid-Norfolk (Mr. Simpson), 5 May 2004, Official Report, column 1527W, to the hon. Member for Uxbridge (Mr. Randall), 15 June 2004, Official Report, column 811W, to the hon. Member for Burnley (Mr. Pike) and 1 September 2004, Official Report, column 713W, to the hon. Member for Batley and Spen (Mr. Wood).
	There are no plans to reintroduce the free postal packet service to Service personnel deployed in the Iraq theatre of operations.

Iraq

Mike Wood: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the impact of the deployment in Iraq on the ability of the armed forces to assist in UK civil emergencies, with particular reference to the flooding in Cornwall during August.

Adam Ingram: No special assessment is necessary. It continues to be the case that, if asked to provide assistance, the Armed Forces would draw on the most appropriate resources available at the time. In the case of the flooding in Cornwall during August, help was provided by Search and Rescue assets permanently based in the South West.

Kenley Airfield

Richard Ottaway: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for future use of Kenley Airfield.

Ivor Caplin: The future use of Kenley Airfield is kept under review. However, there are no current plans to cease defence gliding activity on that site.

Meteorological/Hydrographic Offices

Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list his Department's turnover for the (a) Meteorological Office and (b) UK Hydrographic Office for each financial year from 199798 to 200304.

Ivor Caplin: holding answer 16 September 2004
	Turnover figures for the Meteorological Office and UK Hydrographic Office are included in their Annual Reports and Accounts which are placed in the Libraries of the House and, from 19992000, published on the web sites www.met-office.gov.uk and www.hydro.gov.uk respectively.
	The Met Office turnover figures are:
	
		
			 Financial Year Turnover ( million) 
		
		
			 199798 154.8 
			 199899 152.9 
			 19992000 151.0 
			 200001 154.4 
			 200102 154.8 
			 200203 157.4 
			 200304 160.8 
		
	
	The UK Hydrographic Office turnover figures are:
	
		
			 Financial Year Turnover ( million) 
		
		
			 199798 39.9 
			 199899 43.6 
			 19992000 44.9 
			 200001 49.1 
			 200102 53.2 
			 200203 56.1 
			 200304 63.1

Military Operating Structures

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the operating structures of the (a) Queen's and Light Division and (b) Prince of Wales and King's Division.

Adam Ingram: I have assumed that the hon. Member is referring to the Regimental structure of the Divisions in Question and have answered the question accordingly. This information is provided in the following table:
	
		
			 Division Comprising of: 
		
		
			 The Queen's Division The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment 
			  The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers 
			  The Royal Anglian Regiment 
			  The London Regiment 
			 Light Division The Light Infantry 
			  The Royal Green Jackets 
			 Prince of Wales Division The Devonshire and Dorset Regiment 
			  The Cheshire Regiment 
			  The Royal Welch Fusiliers 
			  The Royal Regiment of Wales 
			  The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire, Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment 
			  The Staffordshire Regiment 
			 King's Division The King's Own Royal Border Regiment 
			  The King's Regiment 
			  The Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire 
			  The Green Howards 
			  The Queen's Lancashire Regiment 
			  The Duke of Wellington's Regiment

MOD Land

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the land in Scotland not owned or leased by his Department but over which it has limited rights, including areas of foreshore; and if he will make a statement.

Ivor Caplin: The information requested is set out as follows.
	
		List of current land over which MOD has limited rights
		
			 Location   Date 
		
		
			 DERA Hebrides Range South Uist Restrictions and access 1 November 1968 
			 DERA Hebrides Range South Uist Compensation payment for restrictive rights over areas of land known as danger areas 19 May 1973 
			 Galloway Trg. Area Galloway Forest Training area 1 January 1987 
			 Cultybraggan Trg. Camp Cultybraggan Land for dry training 23 September 1989 
			 Tighnablair Trg. Area Cultybraggan Land for Army training 1 June 1990 
			 Barry Buddon Barry Buddon Lightkeepers House 1 September 1990 
			 Lossie Forest Trg. Area Lossie Forest Land for training 1 January 1992 
			 Tighnablair Trg. Area Cultybraggan Land for Army training 16 May 1992 
			 Castle Kennedy Trg. Area Castle Kennedy Airfield Army training 1 January 1993 
			 Ardgarten Trg. Area Ardgarten Forest Training land l July 1993 
			 Glutt Field Glutt Field Firing range 16 February 1994 
			 Ardgarten Training Area Glencroe Hill Training land 1 June 1994 
			 Loch Ewe Trg. Area Gairloch Estate Army training area 1 October 1995 
			 Loch Ewe Trg. Area Inveran Estate Army training area 1 October 1995 
			 Loch Ewe Trg. Area Big Sands Estate Army training area 1 October 1995 
			 Cultybraggan Trg. Camp Lochearn Training rights 1 April 1996 
			 Cultybraggan Trg. Camp Bennybeg Crags Climbing Training 1 April 1996 
			 Charterhall Charterhall Training Area 12 August 1996 
			 Wyvis Estate Evanton Training area 2l October 1996 
			 Grantown-on-Spey RAF OAC Grantown-on-Spey Area of land for training 1 April 1997 
			 Grantown-on-Spey RAF OAC Grantown-on-Spey Area of land for training 1 April 1997 
			 Inverness Leiterchuillin Crags Lease of training rights 1 April 1998 
			 Wolfehopelee Forest Wolfehopelee Forest Training area 1 January 1999 
			 Grandtully Aberfeldy Training rights 1 July 1999 
			 Dalbeattie Edingham Fibua Site Training rights 15 January 2000 
			 Loch Fyne Noise Trials Range Lease of land 20 March 2000 
			 Loch Ewe Trg. Area Tournaig Estate Training rights 1 April 2000 
			 Galloway Galloway Access track to trg. area 1 April 2001 
			 Loch Ewe Trg. Area Aultbea Estate Training rights 1 April 2002 
			 Machrihanish Machrihanish Trg. Area Land for military training 1 April 2002 
			 South Kintyre South Kintyre Trg. Area Land for training 1 April 2002 
			 South Kintyre Trg. Area South Kintyre Land for military training 1 April 2002 
			 South Kintyre South Kintyre Trg. Area Land for military training 1 April 2002 
			 Balduff Training Area Balduff Lease of land for military training 1 May 2002 
			 Balduff Training Area Balduff Lease of land for military training 1 May 2002 
			 Balduff Training Area Balduff Lease of land for military training 1 May 2002 
			 Balduff Training Area Balduff Lease of land for military Training 1 May 2002 
			 Huntleys Cave Grantown-on-Spey Rock climbing 1 April 2003 
		
	
	
		
			 Location (no particular establishment overseeing) A right in Perpetuity is usually associated with a facility owned by the MOD and restricts the landowner in undertaking certain types of activity or development. The Terminable rights are in association with leased with leased land and usually terminate at the same time as the lease expires Start date 
		
		
			 Southqueensferry Restrictive rights in Perpetuity July 1863 
			 Milltown Restrictive rights in Perpetuity February 1955 
			 Saxa Vord Restrictive rights in Perpetuity March 1960 
			 Rona and Raasay Isles Restrictive rights Terminable April 1961 
			 Craigowl Hill Restrictive rights Terminable February 1962 
			 Skipness Restrictive rights Terminable February 1963 
			 Aultbea Restrictive rights Terminable October 1963 
			 Blackdog Restrictive rights in Perpetuity February 1964 
			 Cultybraggan Restrictive rights in Perpetuity November 1966 
			 Benbecula Restrictive rights Terminable September 1967 
			 Burntisland Restrictive rights Terminable December 1967 
			 South Uist Restrictive rights in Perpetuity November 1968 
			 Covesea Restrictive rights Terminable December 1968 
			 Uig Restrictive rights in Perpetuity June 1969 
			 Wick Restrictive rights Terminable November 1969 
			 Machrihanish Restrictive rights Terminable December 1971 
			 Eskdalemuir Restrictive rights Terminable September 1972 
			 Crimond Restrictive rights in Perpetuity June 1973 
			 Clyinder Restrictive rights in Perpetuity October 1973 
			 Applecross Restrictive rights in Perpetuity October 1974 
			 Rosneath Restrictive rights in Perpetuity November 1975 
			 St. Kilda Restrictive rights Terminable April 1976 
			 Castlelaw Restrictive rights Terminable September 1977 
			 Barry Buddon Restrictive rights in Perpetuity March 1978 
			 Perth Restrictive rights Terminable April 1981 
			 North Uist Restrictive rights in Perpetuity May 1981 
			 Aviemore Restrictive rights Terminable November 1982 
			 Charterhall Restrictive rights Terminable May 1985 
			 Strathallen Restrictive rights Terminable August 1986 
			 Drymen Restrictive rights in Perpetuity March 1987

Nimrod

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy to retain the skilled workforce at Woodford between the development and production phases of the Nimrod MRA4 through the commissioning of lead items.

Adam Ingram: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 17 May 2004, Official Report, column 667W.

Nimrod

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost is of the upgrade of the Nimrod R1 aircraft, how many aircraft are involved; when the work is due (a) to begin and (b) to be completed; what the life span of the upgraded aircraft will be; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: Under Project Helix the mission systems on the RAF's three Nimrod Rl aircraft are due to be upgraded, together with associated ground stations and training facilities. The assessment phase for the project began in April 2004 and the demonstration and manufacture phase is planned to start in 2007. The full project is due to be completed in 2018 at an estimated total cost of over 400 million (VAT inclusive).
	Under current plans the Nimrod Rl will have a service life well into this century.

Operational Deployments

Adrian Flook: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the last three operational deployments were and what the length between each has been for (a) 40 Commando, (b) 42 Commando, (c) 45 Commando and (d) Head Quarters, Royal Marines.

Adam Ingram: The last three operational deployments of the Royal Marine units specified are:
	40 Commando
	A single company was deployed to Afghanistan from November 2001 to November 2002, followed by a gap of one month before the whole unit was deployed to Operation Telic (Iraq) from January 2003 to April 2003. A further gap of 14 months ensued before re-deployment of the whole unit to Operation Telic in July 2004.
	42 Commando
	The whole unit was deployed to Operation Silkman (Sierra Leone) from September 2001 to November 2001; a subsequent gap of three months was followed by deployment of the whole unit to Operation Banner (Northern Ireland) for the period March 2002 to September 2002, thence a gap of four months before it deployed to Operation Telic from February 2003 to May 2003.
	45 Commando
	The whole unit was deployed to Operation Jacana (Afghanistan) for the period April 2002 to July 2002. A gap of six months ensued before the bulk of the unit was deployed to Operation Telic for the period February 2003 to May 2003. A subsequent gap of six months was followed by deployment of the whole unit to Operation Banner from December 2003 to June 2004.
	Headquarters Royal Marines
	Headquarters Royal Marines was disestablished as a result of the Fleet FIRST reorganisation in 2002. However, it was not a deployable headquarters. HQ 3 Commando Brigade however, deployed to Operation Agricola (Kosovo) from August 2000 to February 2001, with a gap of 12 months before deployment to Operation Jacana from March 2002 to July 2002. A further gap of five months was followed by deployment to Operation Telic from January 2003 to May 2003.
	The dates given represent when the main bulk of the unit was deployed, because the deployment to, and recovery from an operation, are protracted and multi-phased.

Parachute Battalions

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the (a) schedule and (b) operations of the three Parachute battalions has been over the last three years.

Adam Ingram: The details of the operational deployments of each Battalion of the Parachute Regiment over the last three years are shown in the following table. Deployments have been defined as unaccompanied Battalion level operational tours.
	
		
			 Unit Date Location 
		
		
			 1 Para May and August 2000 (two short deployments) Sierra Leone 
			  January-June 2001 Northern Ireland 
			  January-June 2003 Iraq 
			 2 Para January-March 2002 Afghanistan 
			  September 2002-March 2003 Northern Ireland 
			  December 2003-April 2004 Iraq 
			 3 Para January-June 2002 Northern Ireland 
			  January-June 2003 Iraq 
			  May 2004 to date Northern Ireland

Provigil

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel have been prescribed Provigil and similar drugs in each of the last six years; what quantities of drugs have been dispensed; and for what reasons.

Ivor Caplin: Provigil may be prescribed within the Defence Medical Services for legitimate clinical reasons in the same manner as it would be used by the NHS. It is prescribed for the treatment of specific sleep disorders including narcolepsy. Information is not held centrally about the number of Service personnel who have been prescribed Provigil nor the quantities prescribed. However, the quantities purchased by the Medical Supplies Agency between 1999 and 2004 (21,600 tablets) would be consistent with the treatment, through Service primary care facilities, of three to five patients per year at normal rates of usage for the product.

Public Relations

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the salary costs to the Department were for employees working in public relations and publicity in each year since 1997.

Ivor Caplin: Salary costs for staff working in public relations and publicity within the Department's central communications organisation from 200102 to 200304 were as follows:
	
		
			   million 
		
		
			 200102 5.3 
			 200203 5.5 
			 200304 5.9 
		
	
	Figures for years prior to 200102 are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	The figures do not include information about staff working in public relations and publicity at command or unit level throughout the Department. Information about this is not held centrally and again could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

QinetiQ Ltd.

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what income has been received from the equity stake in Qinetiq Ltd.; who exercises the rights of the controlling equity stake on behalf of the Government; and who approved the higher leveraged equity scheme in QinetiQ for senior managers on behalf of the Government.

Adam Ingram: Total proceeds to date from the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency Public Private Partnership (DERA PPP), of which the sale of an equity stake is just a part, amount to some 211.1 million. This comprises proceeds from the sale, proceeds from the redemption of debt and from the redemption of preference shares.
	A key feature of the DERA PPP was to bring in a strategic partner to improve the management of QinetiQ and help grow the business in preparation for its transfer to the private sector. Although continuing to hold a majority equity stake, operational control of the company is exercised by the Carlyle Group as the Government's strategic partner. Control of the Government's equity stake is exercised by the MOD, via shares held in trust by the MOD Finance Director on behalf of the Secretary of State.
	An Incentive Scheme for QinetiQ employees including a component for senior managers, was approved by Ministers at the time of the transaction.

Quick Reaction Alert Aircraft

David Heath: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in equipping (a) RNAS Yeovilton, (b) RAF Marham and (c) RAF St. Mawgan to support quick reaction alert aircraft since his statement of 18 July 2002.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 14 September 2004
	RAF Marham and RAF St. Mawgan became fully equipped to support quick reaction alert aircraft in June 2004. RNAS Yeovilton is due to become fully equipped for supporting quick reaction alert aircraft in the summer of 2005.

RAF Croughton

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reason an American colonel has been appointed as base commander of RAF Croughton.

Adam Ingram: RAF Croughton is made available to the United States Visiting Force (USVF) under the terms of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) of 1951. As is the case at all RAF stations made available to the USVF, the United States appoint an installation commander who is responsible for the US mission at the base. At RAF Croughton, a USAF lieutenant colonel fulfils this role.

Regimental Changes

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Army Board first consulted the colonels of the 19 regiments over impending changes.

Adam Ingram: The Colonels Commandant of the Infantry were first briefed about a possible successor arrangement to the infantry arms plot by members of the Army Board during a meeting on 29 March. The Colonels Commandant have met several times since then to discuss changes to the Infantry structure. It is usual for the Colonels Commandant to brief and consult informally with Regimental Colonels after such meetings.

Regimental Recruitment

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the recruiting levels were for the regiments in the (a) Queen's, (b) King's, (c) Prince of Wales and (d) Light Divisions over the past three years for (i) officers and (ii) other ranks.

Ivor Caplin: The following tables show the numbers of officers and other ranks enlisted into the Queen's, King's, Prince of Wales' and Light Divisions for the last three financial years (April-March).
	Officers
	These figures show the regiments joined by officers once their training at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst had been completed.
	
		Queen's Division
		
			 Financial year 200102 200203 200304 
		
		
			 The Princess of Wales' Royal  Regiment 6 10 12 
			 The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers 14 10 8 
			 The Royal Anglian Regiment 7 9 10 
		
	
	
		King's Division
		
			 Financial year 200102 200203 200304 
		
		
			 The King's Own Royal Border  Regiment 4 7 5 
			 The King's Regiment 2 3 4 
			 The Prince of Wales' Own  Regiment of Yorkshire 4 4 3 
			 The Green Howards 2 9 5 
			 The Queen's Lancashire Regiment 3 4 4 
			 The Duke of Wellington's  Regiment 5 5 2 
		
	
	
		Prince of Wales' Division
		
			 Financial year 200102 200203 200304 
		
		
			 The Devonshire and Dorset  Regiment 4 6 3 
			 The Cheshire Regiment 1 9 1 
			 The Royal Welch Fusiliers 1 6 5 
			 The Royal Regiment of Wales 1 4 8 
			 The Royal Gloucestershire,  Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment 6 8 4 
			 The Worcestershire and Sherwood  Foresters Regiment 6 5 5 
			 The Staffordshire Regiment 3 3 7 
		
	
	
		Light Division
		
			 Financial year 200102 200203 200304 
		
		
			 The Light Infantry 11 10 10 
			 The Royal Green Jackets 10 8 11 
		
	
	Other Ranks
	Infantry other ranks recruits are enlisted into a Division and not a Regiment. These enlistment figures are taken from the beginning of the training process. Some recruits may have changed employment and cap badge during training.
	
		
			 Financial year 200102 200203 200304 
		
		
			 Queen's Division 854 833 765 
			 King's Division 733 733 595 
			 Prince of Wales' Division 976 784 850 
			 Light Division 590 588 464

Saudi Armed Forces Project Office

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the total cost was of the Saudi Armed Forces Project Office which was recharged to the Saudi Government in each financial year from 199798 to 200304.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 16 September 2004
	The Saudi Government covers the costs of the participation of the Saudi Armed Forces Project Office in the Al Yamamah programme.
	The total cost of the Project Office for each financial year from 199798 was:
	
		
			   million 
		
		
			 199798 26.4 
			 199899 23.6 
			 19992000 25.0 
			 200001 27.0 
			 200102 24.7 
			 200203 32.8 
			 200304 29.4

Submarines

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether a decision has been taken to retrofit the Vanguard Class Ballistic Missile Submarines with a Combat Management System based upon Microsoft Windows 2000; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: No decision has been made on whether to modify the Combat Management System onboard Vanguard Class Submarines, to enable the system to operate on Microsoft's Windows 2000 software. However, an independent review concluded that Windows 2000 operating software, when used in conjunction with the original application software, is both safe and secure. As a result, some Trafalgar Class submarines are being modified to incorporate Windows 2000 into the Tactical Command System, which is used in the launch process for Spearfish torpedoes and Tomahawk missiles.

Sudan

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many United Kingdom armed forces personnel he plans to commit in the event of United Nations intervention in Sudan; what estimate he has made of the likely cost of such a mission; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: We currently plan to commit three United Kingdom staff officers to the proposed UN Mission in Sudan following a Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Government of Sudan and the southern-based Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army. This Mission will deploy once the final agreements have been signed by the parties. One officer is currently deployed within the UN Advanced Mission. The UK Assessed Contribution to UN Peacekeeping is 7.43 per cent. in addition to any costs associated with the deployment of UK personnel, which we will meet. We would expect that the UK contribution would be in the region of 20 million, should the Mission deploy as currently envisaged.
	In the Darfur region of Sudan, a separate African Union mission is operating. No UK military personnel are currently committed to it. The AU mission is still evolving and any request for UK military support will be considered. We are currently not aware of any UN plans for involvement in this region.

Super Garrisons

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the establishment of super garrisons.

Adam Ingram: We intend to enhance operational capability and value for money in a number of ways, including through our strategy for the Defence Estate. This envisages concentrating units into fewer, larger sites. In the case of the Army, such sites have been referred to informally as super garrisons. No decisions, however, have yet been taken on their establishment or possible location.

Territorial Army (Iraq)

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what funding is being provided to Territorial Army personnel returning from service in Iraq.

Ivor Caplin: Such personnel are given paid leave up to a maximum of 40 days, depending on the length of their deployment. The final day of this period of leave is considered to be the last day of mobilised service. In addition, and depending on personal circumstances, TA personnel may continue to receive the Reserve Standard Award (RSA) and the Reserve Hardship Award (RHA) until their last day of mobilised service.
	For those self-employed TA personnel returning from Iraq, are-training grant under the Employers Financial Assistance Scheme is also available.

Terrorism (Russia)

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what communications his Department has had with the Russian Government over security strategies to deal with terrorist threats.

Geoff Hoon: The Ministry of Defence and Russian Federation conduct a bilateral Defence Relations Activity Programme designed to develop confidence, promote understanding and discuss security interests. In the last 18 months, the following principal activities have included exchanges related to security strategies to deal with terrorist threats:
	Visit by the Russian Defence Minister in July 2004.
	Visit by a party of senior Russian officers to the UK, in January 2004, for seminars and discussions under the auspices of the International Institute of Strategic Studies.
	Defence Staff Talks were reinstated in December 2003, following a five year gap. The MOD's Policy Director hosted the Russian MOD delegation in London.
	Chief of the General Staff visited Moscow, St. Petersburg and the North Caucasus Military District, in June 2003.
	In March 2003, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff had discussions with his counterpart, in Moscow.
	The NATO-Russia Council is another forum where these issues are discussed.

Troop Deployment

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British troops are in (a) Iraq and (b) Afghanistan.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 15 September 2004
	As at 9 September 2004, there are about 8,000 British troops in Iraq and about 640 in Afghanistan.

Troop Deployment

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which battalions of the Army are committed to Northern Ireland; where they are based; and what the average length of duty in Northern Ireland is of each battalion.

Adam Ingram: The following resident infantry battalions are currently based in Northern Ireland on accompanied tours of roughly two years:
	2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, Holywood
	2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, Ballykelly
	1st Battalion The King's Own Scottish Borderers, Omagh
	2nd Battalion The Royal Green Jackets, Ballykinler
	The following infantry battalions are currently committed to Northern Ireland on a six month unaccompanied tour of duty:
	1st Battalion The King's Own Royal Border Regiment, Dungannon
	1st Battalion The Royal Green Jackets, Bessbrook
	In addition there are three home service battalions of The Royal Irish Regiment whose headquarters are at Holywood, Portadown and Omagh respectively.

Troop Deployment

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many troops were deployed in Northern Ireland in each year since 1997.

Adam Ingram: The number of armed forces personnel (Army, Navy and RAF), under the command of the General Officer Commanding Northern Ireland (GOC NI), stationed in Northern Ireland in each year since 1997 are set out in the following table.
	
		
			 As at 31 July Number of armed forces personnel 
		
		
			 1997 16,566 
			 1998 16,107 
			 1999 14,778 
			 2000 13,812 
			 2001 13,763 
			 2002 13,669 
			 2003 13,571 
			 2004 11,450 
		
	
	The GOC NI also has under his command troops that are rear based in Great Britain that can be called forward to the Province as and when required. In addition other troops can be made available to the GOC NI from Land Command if required for example during the marching season.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Animal Rights Protesters

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department is considering to protect smaller organisations and businesses from criminal damage committed by (a) the Lobster Liberation Front and (b) other animal rights protesters.

Caroline Flint: The Government are determined that legitimate business activity will not be prevented by extremists.
	We announced on 30 July in our paper Animal WelfareHuman Rights: Tackling Animal Rights Extremism a number of changes to strengthen the law on protests outside homes and harassment.
	These new proposals will strengthen on-going action by the Government, police and Crown Prosecution Service and the courts to enforce existing legislation robustly and to ensure effective co-ordination to combat the criminal activities of extremists.

Animal Rights Protesters

John Whittingdale: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the activities of the Lobster Liberation Front.

Caroline Flint: We are in regular contact with the police about the activities of all extremist groups. Our position towards such groups is clear. We support the right of everyone to express strongly held views and to campaign legally to persuade people to change their mind and the law. We will not however tolerate those who use harassment, intimidation and violence to prevent others from carrying out their lawful business.
	Dorset police have made an assessment of their activities and have given advice.

Animal Rights Protesters

John Whittingdale: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the recent attack on the Lander family of Swanage by the Lobster Liberation Front.

Caroline Flint: I cannot comment on the individual case, but the Government is determined to tackle extremists who attempt to stop people going about their legitimate business. No one has the right to harass and intimidate individuals or their families.
	We announced on 30 July in our paper Animal WelfareHuman Rights: Tackling Animal Rights Extremism a number of changes to strengthen the law on protests outside homes and harassment. These new proposals will strengthen on-going action by the Government, police and Crown Prosecution Service and the courts to enforce existing legislation robustly and to ensure effective co-ordination to combat the criminal activities of extremists.

Animal Experimentation

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last met (a) the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection and (b) the National Anti-Vivisection Society.

Caroline Flint: My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has not met either organisation. The last meeting between a Home Office Minister and the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection took place in October 2001.I was due to meet the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection in February 2004, but that meeting was postponed. I met the National Anti-Vivisection Society in January 2004.

Animal Experimentation

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the (a) persons and (b) organisations (i) he, (ii) his Ministers and (iii) his officials have met in connection with animal experimentation since 1 January.

Caroline Flint: Home Office Ministers and officials have regular meetings with the scientific community and animal protection groups in connection with the implementation of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. It is not practicable to list all of the meetings held. However, since 1 January 2004, in addition to meetings with licence holders and other staff working in establishments licensed under the 1986 Act, meetings have been held with the:
	Animal Procedures Committee
	Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry
	Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
	Canadian Council on Animal Care
	Coalition for Medical Progress
	Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	Department of Health
	Department for Trade and Industry
	European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods
	Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations
	Food Standards Agency
	Fund for the Replacement of Animals in Medical Experiments
	Health and Safety Executive
	Institute of Animal Technicians
	International Council for Laboratory Animal Science
	Laboratory Animal Breeders Association
	Laboratory Animals Science Association
	Laboratory Animals Veterinary Association
	Medical Health Regulatory Authority
	Medical Research Council
	National Anti-Vivisection Society
	National Centre for Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research
	Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
	Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
	Uncaged Campaign
	United States Department of Agriculture.

Animal Experimentation

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 1 July 2004, Official Report, column 7WS, on the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, whether the publishing of anonymised information in relation to section 24 of the Animal Act 1986 (a) will include information on whether all possible alternative methods to animal experimentation were exhausted and (b) will be compulsory to all bodies undertaking animal experimentation; and whether bodies deemed to be in contravention of the Animals Act 1986 will have their licence removed immediately.

Caroline Flint: The ministerial statement of 1 July made clear that the Government are pressing ahead with plans to publish anonymised information about projects licensed under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 as part of the Home Office publication scheme under the Freedom of Information Act.
	All new project license applicants will be required to provide the information for publication as part of the licence application processso it will be mandatory but not retrospective.
	Final decisions have yet to be taken on the precise details to be provided, as field trial work is still in progress. However, it should be noted as regards alternatives to animal use, that under the 1986 Act the Home Office can only license projects when satisfied that no such alternatives exist.
	Action taken on contraventions of the 1986 Act is determined by the particular circumstances of each case. Revocation of a license can be among the options to be considered.

Animal Experimentation

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, during his Department's monitoring of the Imutran xenotransplantation programme under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, primates were found dead in procedures of moderate severity.

Caroline Flint: Yes. 17 animals died between observation periods in procedures of moderate severity out of over 500 non-human primates used in the Imutran studies between July 1994 and March 2000. The evidence available at the time suggested that death occurred quickly with little suffering being experienced by the individual animals. None of the deaths raised issues of non-compliance with the relevant license authorities.

Animal Experimentation

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement outlining his Department's definitions of (a) moderate severity and (b) substantial severity in animal experiments.

Caroline Flint: The categorisation of severity limits of protocols is explained in paragraph 5.42 of the Guidance on the Operation of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (HG321). Protocols regarded as moderate include toxicity tests which do not involve lethal endpoints and many surgical procedures, provided that suffering is controlled and minimised by effective post-operative analgesia and care. Protocols that have the potential to cause greater suffering but include controls which minimise severity, or terminate the protocol before the animal shows more than moderate adverse effects, may also be classed within the moderate severity limit. Protocols regarded as substantial are those that may result in a major departure from the animal's usual state of health or well-being. These include acute toxicity procedures where significant morbidity or death is an endpoint; some efficacy tests of anti-microbial agents and vaccines; major surgery; and some models of disease, where welfare may be seriously compromised. If it is expected that even one animal would suffer substantial effects, the procedure would merit a 'substantial' severity limit.

Animal Experimentation

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the results were of his Department's most recent monitoring of the progress made by Imutran in achieving each of the objectives in its project licence for xenotransplantation research.

Caroline Flint: The Imutran xenotransplantation research licensed under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 began in 1994 and ended in 2000. At different points in time, and on different projects, Imutran tackled a number of different, but related, scientific objectives. With one exception, all of the predicted benefits relevant to the licensed studies taken into account in the cost benefit assessment of their project licence applications were delivered. However, by the middle of 1999 it became clear that they were not making progress in identifying a clinically potentially safe and effective means of preventing or controlling delayed forms of xenograft organ rejection and that the incidence of surgical technical failures was rising. We concluded that no new studies should be undertaken unless and until the cause of the technical problems was identified and remedied and an acceptable revised strategy for making scientific progress was devised. As a result, and after discussions with Imutran, its main programme of work was suspended by administrative agreement rather than formal suspension of the licence authorities. Some more basic work was allowed to continue in pursuit of secondary objectives. The Imutran project licences were eventually surrendered to the Home Office for revocation in July 2000.

Animal Experimentation

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what changes his Department has accepted and agreed to the original objectives in the project licence to Imutran for xenotransplantation research.

Caroline Flint: The Imutran research licensed by the Home Office under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 involving pig to non-human primate xenotransplantation studies began in 1994 and was carried out under three separate project licences. These licences set out related objectives aimed at furthering Imutran's overall strategy ultimately to produce a means of making xenotransplantation clinically feasible. The specific objectives of the licensed work included the production of healthy, genetically altered pigs whose organs would not produce hyperacute rejection when transplanted into other species; demonstration of proof of concept; characterisation of other forms of xenograft rejection; and, having developed an immunosuppression strategy appropriate for human clinical use, the study of the biocompatibility and performance of solid organ and tissue xenografts. More detailed scientific objectives were also set within this general framework. These detailed objectives were reviewed and refined at intervals while the work was in progress. Where authorised, amendments were largely made to those parts of the programmes characterising later forms of xenograft rejection and its management. The precise technical content of the amendments is commercially confidential.

Animal Experimentation

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will order an independent public inquiry into the Imutran xenotransplantation research programme; and if he will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: No. We have considered the matter very carefully, but concluded that the issues, including those regarding compliance with the authorities granted to Imutran Limited under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 for its xenotransplantation research programme, do not merit such an inquiry. In November 2000, my right hon. Friend the then Home Secretary (Mr. Straw) asked the Chief Inspector of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate to carry out a routine assessment of compliance with the relevant authorities issued to Imutran Limited under the 1986 Act. The Chief Inspector's report, which covered five years work, was published on 13 July 2001 and copies placed in the Library. It confirmed that the general level of compliance was good. No new evidence justifying any form of further inquiry into these matters was found by the Chief Inspector nor has any subsequently been presented by any other source.

Animal Experimentation

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what systems are in place to ensure that the relationships between his inspectors involved in monitoring licences for animal experiments and the companies concerned are clear and objective.

Caroline Flint: Members of the Inspectorate are highly professional and dedicated and have the complete confidence of Government Ministers. The general civil service codes apply, and in addition inspectors are accountable for their professional conduct to the relevant professional bodies (the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the General Medical Council). As Government employees, they have no conflicts of interest with respect to places, or persons, regulated under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. They are not part of the management structure of the designated establishments, nor do they have any proprietary interest in the outcome of any licensed research programme. In addition, there is an active joint inspection programme, with more than one inspector visiting most places during the course of the year as part of the national inspection programme. Regulated places are also re-assigned between inspectors at regular intervals.

Animal Experimentation

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many primates have been involved in projects regulated under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 over the last 10 years (a) unclassified, (b) mild, (c) moderate and (d) substantial; in classifications of severity of suffering and if he will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: This information is not collected centrally. The numbers of scientific procedures involving non-human primates since 1994 are given in table 20 of the annual Command Paper Statistics of scientific procedures on living animals, 2003 (Cm 6291), a copy of which is in the Library.
	A short table, giving the number of project licences in force at the end of that year according to severity bands, has been included in each annual publication since 1998. It is not, however, possible from that to identify the species used.

Animal Experimentation

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many animals have died following procedures which broke International Air Transport Association regulations; and if he will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: I am unable to provide the information requested. Although specific instances may be reported to the Home Office as and when they occur, we do not routinely record the deaths in transit of animals destined for use under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, or the surrounding circumstances. The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is responsible for the enforcement of regulations governing the transportation of animals to the United Kingdom.

Animal Experimentation

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reason his Department did not take action in respect of the case of the three primates found dead en route to Huntingdon in 1998.

Caroline Flint: In fact, immediate action was taken. The three animals destined for use in research licensed under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 were found dead on arrival at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris from the Philippines on 5 August 1998. When the Home Office was notified of the deaths we immediately suspended authority to acquire animals from the source establishment until the causes had been properly investigated and any necessary action taken to prevent a recurrence. The problem was also promptly notified to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food as the Department then responsible for enforcement of the regulations relating to the transportation of animals. While it was not possible to identify the causes of death, it was considered likely that a combination of the large size of the animals in relation to the transport containers and inadequate ventilation were a contributory factor. The source establishment co-operated fully and ensured that the size of the transport containers was increased and ventilation improved. No problems were detected with a further batch of animals imported in December 1998.

Animal Experimentation

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the evidential basis is for the statement in paragraph 5.12.3 of the Home Office Chief Inspector's June 2001 Compliance Review, that a moratorium was voluntarily proposed and implemented by Imutran management in 1999; and if he will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: Paragraph 5.12.3 of the report on compliance with the authorities issued under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 to Imutran Ltd. for xenotransplantation research, by the then Chief Inspector of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate, is based on Home Office and Imutran Ltd. records. The Imutran progress report for January to June 1999 was the starting point for the discussions which led to the moratorium on the Imutran research. The terms of the moratorium were agreed after supplementary enquiries into the content of the report.

Animal Experimentation

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action his Department has taken with regard to its contract with Imutran following the Home Affairs Select Committee's Report; and what representations he has received.

Caroline Flint: The Home Office has no contract with Imutran Limited. Until 2000, staff of that company were licensed under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 to conduct xenotransplantation research. The work started in 1994 and the licences were surrendered in July 2000 following a decision by Imutran and its parent company to move the research programme to North America. The Home Office submitted evidence to the Home Affairs Committee in connection with the Imutran research in October 2003. As far as we are aware the Committee has not published a report on the research. The Home Office has received correspondence from Members of Parliament, a campaign group and members of the public about the research and has responded fully to all of the issues raised.

Anti-social Behaviour Orders

Alan Hurst: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many anti-social behaviour orders have been made in (a) Essex and (b) Braintree district.

Hazel Blears: The number of notifications, as reported to the Home Office, of anti-social behaviour orders issued within Essex, from 1 April 1999 up to 31 March 2004 (latest available) is 25. Of these none have had restrictions imposed specific to the Braintree district council area.

Anti-social Behaviour Orders

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) have been made in each year since their introduction; how many of these were issued to children and young people; and how many and what percentage of those charged with breach of an ASBO have subsequently been sent to young offenders institutes.

Hazel Blears: The available information is given in the attached tables.
	
		Table A: the number of Anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) issued at all courts, as reported to the Home Office,by period and age group
		
			 England and Wales 
			 Period Total issued Age 10 to17 Age 18 to 20 Age 21+ Age not known 
		
		
			 1 April 1999 to 31 May 2000 104(20)104 
			 1 June 2000 to 31 December 2000 135 61 21 38 15 
			 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2001 322 184 50 77 11 
			 1 January 2002 to 31 December 2002 402 232 41 108 21 
			 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2003 1,023 509 147 366 1 
			 1 January 2004 to 31 March 2004 469 183 85 201  
			 Total 2,455 1,169 344 790 152 
		
	
	(20) Data collected by police force area on numbers of ASBOs only.
	
		Table B: Number and percentage of young persons aged 18 to 20 who were prosecuted for breach of their ASBO and subsequently found guilty and sentenced to detention in a Young Offender Institution (YOI), from 1 June 2000 to 31 December 2002(21)
		
			  Number Percentage 
		
		
			 Total proceedings for breach of an ASBO of which: 60 100 
			 Sentenced to detention in YOI 30 50 
			 Total found guilty of breach 57 95 
		
	
	(21) These figures have been compiled through a manual matching process between ASBO breaches reported on the Home Office Court Proceedings Database and data held on the ASBO database. Breach data for 2003 will be available in late Autumn.
	Note:
	Figures are based on principal disposal (severest penalty imposed) where more than one breach record exists.

Asylum Seekers/Immigration

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) cases and (b) children under 18 years were covered by the one-off exercise to allow families who applied for asylum to stay, before 2 October 2000, who had at least one dependant currently under 18 years who had been living in the UK since 2 October 2000, and who were not covered by the specified exclusions set out in the Minister of State's letter of 29 October 2003; and (i) how many of those cases and (ii) for how many children under 18 years decisions are outstanding.

Des Browne: An announcement detailing the results of the exercise including the available statistical information will be made when the exercise is completed and all those potentially qualifying applicants have had the opportunity to respond to our queries.
	Good progress has been made in considering the cases originally identified. The bulk of these cases have been processed with the majority, where the applicants have responded to our queries, having been decided, We rely on the applicants we contact replying to our queries promptly and those not doing so are being reminded.
	Anomalies we removed on 19 August, will result in a number of previously excluded applicants being reconsidered. In addition, we are encouraging applicants who believe that they should qualify to contact the Immigration Nationality Directorate to have their status assessed.

Asylum Seekers/Immigration

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many accommodation units the National Asylum Support Service has rented from (a) private landlords and (b) local authorities in North East Lincolnshire for asylum-seekers in each year since 2002; and how many of these are currently empty.

Des Browne: The information is not available in the precise format requested. The number of occupied bed spaces changes from day to day as asylum seekers move through the asylum process.

Asylum Seekers/Immigration

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions since 1997 on which he has been found by (a) the administrative court, (b) the court of appeal and (c) the House of Lords to have acted unlawfully in immigration, nationality and asylum matters; and what action (i) he and (ii) his Department has taken to remedy the unlawfulness in each case.

Des Browne: This information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	Statistics are published by the Home Office on the number of asylum cases going before the administrative court on judicial review, but not on immigration and nationality cases. The asylum statistics exclude cases relating to asylum support (NASS) for the years 2000 and 2001. In addition, they do not indicate whether the grounds of the challenge were unlawfulness, procedural impropriety or irrationality. It is also not unusual for a challenge to be made on more than one ground.
	The information in the following table gives the number of judicial review applications that were made in asylum cases and the outcome of judicial review hearings.
	Statistics on the numbers of appeals to the court of appeal and House of Lords are not collected by the Home Office.
	All judgments made by the courts are carefully considered, and appropriate action is taken to remedy adverse findings. A successful challenge to certification of an asylum application as clearly unfounded would, for example, normally result in the withdrawal of that certificate.
	Data on Home Office actions in response to a successful challenge in the courts are not collected centrally, and could be obtained only by retrieval and examination of individual case files which would be at disproportionate cost.
	
		Asylum appeals -- Applications for judicial review, and outcomes, excluding dependants(22), 1997 to 2003(23)
		
			 Number of principal appellants 
			 Applications for permission to apply for judicial review 
			  Applications Decisions(24) of which: granted permission to apply Percentage of applicants granted permission to apply(25) 
		
		
			 1997 1,350 1,250 320 26 
			 1998 1,890 1,220 300 25 
			 1999 Q1.Q2, and Q4(26) 1,790 1,125 395 35 
			 2000(27) 1,920 2,095 555 26 
			 2001(27) 2,210 2,300 290 13 
			 2002 3,075 2,980 260 9 
			 2003(23) 2,170 2,240 235 10 
		
	
	
		
			 The outcome of judicial review hearings 
			  Allowed(28) Dismissed(29) Withdrawn 
			  Total As percentage of total determined Total As percentage of total determined Total As percentage of total determined 
		
		
			 1997   
			 1998   
			 1999 Q1.Q2, and Q4(26) 135 57 25 11 75 32 
			 2000(27) 365 48 300 40 95 12 
			 2001(27) 260 68 60 16 60 16 
			 2002 25 30 60 67 5 3 
			 2003(23) 30 35 55 62 5 3 
		
	
	(22) Figures based on administrative court data. Figures (other than percentages) rounded to the nearest 5.
	(23) Provisional figures.
	(24) Decisions do not relate to applications in any given period.
	(25) The number of which granted permission to apply as a percentage of decisions.
	(26) Estimated figures.
	(27) Figures exclude judicial reviews brought in cases relating to asylum support (NASS).
	(28) The decision of the respondent (in this case, the Home Office or the immigration appeal tribunal) was quashed. These figures include consent orders where the JR was conceded by the respondent.
	(29) The decision of the respondent was upheld.

Cannabis

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the level of cannabis abuse since it was reclassified.

Caroline Flint: The British Crime Survey provides annual figures on the levels of drug use including cannabis. The figures for 200304 will be available in December. The level of cannabis use among 1624 year olds has shown a decline from 28.2 per cent. having used the drug in the previous 12 months in 1998 to 25.8 per cent. in 200203.

Chechnya

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people from the Chechyna region of the Russian Federation were deported in the past 12 months; and to which destinations in the Russian Federation they were sent.

Des Browne: Information on the number of people deported from the UK to the Russian Federation, including those of Chechen origin, and on the destinations to which they were deported, is not available except by examination of individual case files which would incur disproportionate cost.

Correspondence

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  when he will reply to the letter to him dated 26 July from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Farag Alkailani;
	(2)  when he intends to reply to the letter to him dated 26 July from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mr. Farag Elkailani.

David Blunkett: I replied to my right hon. Friend on 23 September 2004.

Criminal Records Bureau

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people on whom Criminal Records Bureau checks have revealed convictions are employed in social services departments.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 14 September 2004
	Information is not available to indicate how many people who have received a Disclosure which have revealed convictions are employed within Social Services.
	The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) does not make judgements on an applicant's suitability for a position and does not therefore record such information. The Bureau's role within the recruitment process is to provide an employer, through a Registered Body, with the necessary information that enables an informed and responsible recruitment decision to be made.

Criminal Records Bureau

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in reducing the time taken by the Criminal Records Bureau to produce reports on individuals.

Hazel Blears: For the period July 2003 to July 2004, the Criminal Records Bureau has achieved its service standards for processing Standard and Enhanced Disclosure applications. On average, over 90 per cent. of Standard and Enhanced Disclosures have been issued within two and four weeks respectively.

Departmental Administration Costs

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the cost of printing headed notepaper for his Department was in (a) 199697 and (b) the latest year for which figures are available.

Fiona Mactaggart: holding answer 16 July 2004
	The Home Office does not hold any figures on the cost of printing headed notepaper for the financial year 199697 and to obtain this information would incur disproportionate costs.
	I am able to provide details on the cost to the Home Office of printing headed notepaper for the last financial year.
	FY 200304: 35,303

Distraction Burglaries

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps the Government are taking to promote schemes which help prevent distraction burglaries, with particular reference to the British Gas Password Scheme.

Hazel Blears: The Home Office has produced a range of booklets, audio and video tapes giving advice to individuals and to practitioners, particularly those who work with older people, on measures which can be taken to reduce distraction burglary. They were promoted at a series of 11 regional conferences between November 2001 and March 2002 and are used at national, regional and local levels to raise awareness of distraction burglary and the preventative measures that can be taken.
	In particular, the leaflet 'How to beat the bogus caller' gives both the important message to 'Lock, Stop, Chain and Check' before admitting someone and highlights the fact that many utility companies operate password schemes for older and vulnerable people. To date, over six million leaflets have been distributed nationwide.

Drug Treatment

Brian Cotter: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the work the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse has undertaken in Weston-super-Mare since its creation; and how many drug treatment centres it has inspected in the town.

Melanie Johnson: I have been asked to reply.
	The National Treatment Agency (NTA) South West regional team, in its role of performance managing drug action team (DAT) treatment plans, carries out quarterly monitoring of the North Somerset DAT, of which Weston-Super-Mare forms a part. The NTA team has also:
	given specific additional support to the DAT to improve the quality of its strategic planning;
	brought in the expertise of the National Institute for Mental Health in England (NIMHE) to support redesign of the local drug treatment system, focusing specifically on prescribing services; and
	worked with the DAT and local drug treatment providers to reduce waiting times and improve access. This information is shown in the table.
	
		Waiting time (weeks) by treatment time
		
			  June 2004 December 2001 
		
		
			 In-patient 1 31 
			 Residential rehabilitation 0 31 
			 Specialist prescribing 3 31 
			 General practitioner prescribing 3 31 
			 Day care 6 31 
			 Structured counselling 4 5 
		
	
	The NTA has not carried out any inspections of drug treatment agencies in England, as this has not been in its remit. However, The NTA is currently working with the Healthcare Commission on an inspection and review programme for drug treatment services, using the badge and authority of the Healthcare Commission and the expertise of the NTA. A pilot scheme is currently in development for roll-out in 200506. This will mean all treatment services in Weston-Super-Mare will be subject to a review at some point in the next three years.

European Weapons Directive

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the progress of the European Weapons Directive; and what the position of the UK Government is on each of its principal recommendations.

Caroline Flint: Such changes as were necessary to meet the requirements of Council Directive No. 91/477/EEC on the control of the acquisition and possession of weapons were incorporated into domestic legislation by means of the Firearms Acts (Amendment) Regulations 1992. There are no outstanding recommendations for action although the Commission is currently reviewing the operation of the directive.

Faith Communities

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent consultations have been carried out by his Department with representatives of faith communities; and if he will make a statement.

Fiona Mactaggart: holding answer 13 September 2004
	Outlined as follows are details of recent consultations conducted by the Home Office in which representatives of faith communities have been consulted:
	Counter Terrorism Powers: Reconciling Security and Liberty in an Open Society
	A discussion paper was published the 25 February 2004 entitled Counter Terrorism Powers: Reconciling Security and Liberty in an Open Society which launched a six-month consultation process on the future of counter terrorist powers. Representatives of faith community groups have played an active and important part in this consultation process both by submitting written responses and in attending consultation events.
	Needs of Faith Communities in Major Disasters
	Work is currently under way to update a document originally produced by the Church of England entitled 'Needs of Faith Communities in Major Disasters'. The Cabinet Office and the Home Office, who are jointly funding the update, worked with representatives from the nine main faith communities and the British Humanist Association to update their individual entries. The document is currently out with emergency planners for consultation and will be issued in the autumn.
	Strength in Diversity
	The Strength in Diversity pamphlet was published on 19 May 2004 and forms the framework for a robust debate on issues such as citizenship and identity, eradicating racism, tackling inequality and building cohesive communities.
	The 'Strength in Diversity' pamphlet was sent to a wide range of faith representatives including the main faith umbrella bodies and a meeting was held with faith representatives to discuss the consultation pamphlet. The consultation period ends on 17 September and the recommendations will form the basis of the Community Cohesion and Race Equality Strategy to be published in the autumn.
	Burial Law and Policy in the 21st Century
	A six month consultation exercise on burial law and policy in the 21st Century concluded on 31 August 2004. This gave a unique opportunity to consult with members of the public, professionals and faith representatives to establish burial legislation and policy which is streamlined, accessible and inclusive.
	A number of faith representatives were included in the consultation process, including the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the Office of the Chief Rabbi, National Council of Hindu Temples, Sikh Council for Inter-faith Relations, the Muslim College and the Muslim Council of Britain.
	Ministers of Religion from Abroad: consultation on the English Language Requirement
	In June 2004 representatives of all the major faith communities were consulted on a proposal by the government to introduce an amendment to the Immigration Rules in which individuals applying for leave to enter the United Kingdom as Ministers of Religion would be required to demonstrate that they were competent in the use of spoken and written Englishproposed at level 6 of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
	After listening to the views and concerns of faith groups at round table meetings the proposal was modified so that for the time being Ministers of Religion will only be required to have a basic grasp of spoken English before coming to the UK (level 4). It is intended to raise this to level 6a competent speaker and writerafter two years. The rule change is now in effect.
	The National Offender Management Service (NOMS)
	The introduction of the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) has been subjected to two formal written consultations in which over 400 responses have been received. Many of these have been from representatives of faith communities. All responses have been analysed and continue to be used to inform the development of the new structure.
	Domestic Violence Consultation Paper: 'Safety and Justice'
	The Domestic Violence Consultation Paper 'Safety and Justice' was published in June 2003. Representatives of all the major faith communities were consulted (for a full list of organisations consulted see answer to written PQ 15165430 January). In addition, the Home Office producedand made available in both paper and electronic formata summary leaflet, which was also translated into Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Greek, Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi, Somali, Urdu, Vietnamese and Welsh.
	The Home Office received a total of 470 responses to 'Safety and Justice'. A list of organisations that responded can be found at Annex A of the 'Summary of Responses to Safety and Justice: the Governments Proposal on Domestic Violence, copies of which are available in the Library and at: www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crimepol/crimreduc/domviolence/publist.html.
	The Prison Service Chaplaincy Council
	The Prison Service Chaplaincy Council is made up of representatives from all the major faith traditions. It meets six times each year, and provides both a forum for consultation on a broad range of prison issues (policy and practice) and advice and guidance on all matters relating to prisoner faith issues.

Football Banning Orders

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the operation of banning orders for football supporters whose club has been relegated from the Football League who try to attend the grounds of other clubs in the Conference League which at the time that the banning order was put in place were (a) in and (b) not in the Football League.

Caroline Flint: On 14 September, two Statutory Instruments were laid before Parliament: the Football (Offences) (Designation of Football Matches) Order 2004 and the Football Spectators (Prescription) Order 2004. Subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House, the Statutory Instruments will come into force on 11 October 2004. The effect will be to extend football banning order and football offences legislation to cover all domestic matches involving a member club of the Premier League, Football League, Football Conference and the League of Wales. Once enacted, any individual subject to a banning order will be precluded from attending any match involving a Conference League club.

Gurkhas

Ann Widdecombe: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 19 April 2004, Official Report, column 324W, on Ghurkhas, when he expects to announce the findings of the review of immigration laws as applied to Ghurkhas; and if he will make a statement.

Des Browne: holding answer 13 September 2004
	Officials are seeking to bring the review of policy in respect of Ghurkhas who have served in the British Army to an early conclusion, but at this time I cannot say when that might be. The current arrangements for the recruitment of Ghurkhas have served us well for 50 years. We must therefore ensure that as part of this review we carefully examine the broader implications that any change in policy might have to ensure that these special arrangements in respect of Ghurkhas are not undermined.

Hate Crime

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the Government will introduce a hate crimes register; and if he will make a statement.

Fiona Mactaggart: The Government have no plans to introduce a hate crimes register.

Hate Crime

Shaun Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the results of the Home Office's Understanding and Responding to Hate Crimes project.

Fiona Mactaggart: This project was a joint initiative between the Metropolitan Police Service (MRS) and the Royal Holloway University of London, with funding from the Home Office. The MRS project team has produced fact sheets covering hate crime information from January to June 2001 for domestic, racial, and homophobic incidents, as well as sexual assaults. These factsheets have been disseminated to borough Community Safety Units (CSUs) in London as reference material. Further information is available on the metropolitan police website at http://www.met.police.uk/urhc/.

Departmental Officials

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 21 April 2004, Official Report, column 524W, on departmental officials, whether the secondee from Deloitte  Touche contributed to the specification of the basis on which tenders were invited for the identity card project; and whether the secondment was arranged after a competitive process.

Des Browne: No. The secondee from Deloitte did not contribute to specification of the basis on which tenders were invited for the identity card project.
	In common with general practice for secondments to the Home Office, the secondee from Deloitte was identified and appointed on a short-term basis as part of a bilateral arrangement with the company. Other secondees to the identity card programme have been appointed on a similar basis.

Justice and Home Affairs Council

Jimmy Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the outcome was of the Justice and Home Affairs Council held on 19 July; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: I represented the United Kingdom at the Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Council in Brussels on 19 July.
	The Council held an orientation debate on the new JHA multi-annual work programme. I said that the programme should focus on visible action with the aim of bringing practical improvements to EU citizens. Member States agreed on this and most Member States agreed the programme should focus on action that may be taken forward under the existing treaties. Most Member States agreed that mutual recognition should remain the cornerstone of judicial co-operation and that more effective use should be made of Europol. On Immigration and Asylum there was broad support for the emphasis the Presidency had placed on practical co-operation, implementation and the evaluation of existing measures, but differing views on the need for further harmonisation of legislation. One delegation noted that adequate funding would need to be made available to support the new work programme. The Presidency intends to prepare a final draft of the new programme for discussion at the September informal JHA Council.
	The Commission presented its Communication Towards Enhancing Access to Information by Law Enforcement Agencies' (10745/04) which emphasised the importance of wider access to national databases for law enforcement authorities, a common approach to the analysis of criminal and intelligence matters and the need to promote the idea of intelligence-led policing. The Communication was noted by the Presidency who said they would feed it into the discussion on the new JHA multi-annual work programme.
	The EU Counter-terrorism co-ordinator updated Member States on work currently being undertaken. The Counter-terrorism co-ordinator agreed with member States on the need for strengthened co-operation between law enforcement and emergency services and for a more concerted approach to civil crisis management within the EU. The Counter-terrorism co-ordinator also indicated work was being taken forward to look at ways for closer constructive engagement with moderate Islamic civil society. The Counter-terrorism co-ordinator also noted the Council would in due course examine how Eurojust may be better able to contribute to counter-terrorism efforts.
	Greece updated the Council on its national plan for security at the Olympic games.
	In light of growing pressure for the creation of a European register of criminal convictions, the Commission said it was preparing a draft Council Decision for October, which would promote the exchange of information on criminal convictions for serious offences, in particular murder, sexual crimes and terrorism. It was also planning to publish a Framework Decision on the mutual recognition of convictions by December. In approaching this work, the Commission took the view that it was unnecessary to create a single, central European database. Instead they favoured granting national authorities wider access to Member States existing registers. I supported the Commission, stressing that any initiative should include terrorist offences, and noting that attention should also be paid to the supervision of offender's post-conviction.
	The Council discussed the position of Europol director and most Member States agreed it would be necessary to begin the process for selecting a new director of Europol again.
	On Immigration and Asylum, the Commission presented the Communication on the Establishment of a Single Procedure for the Processing of Applications for Protection in the Member States. The Commission emphasised that introducing unified procedures at a national level for all asylum claims would have benefits in terms of speed and efficiency.
	This was followed by a presentation by the Commission on its Communication on Common Readmission Policy (SEC (2004) 946 final). The Commission noted that there had been some improvements in the negotiation of readmission agreements but the overall picture was mixed. The ED needed to fine-tune its approach, for example: lighter negotiating mandates and compensatory measures where agreements covered third country nationals. The negotiation of readmission agreements with countries covered by the EU's New Neighbourhood Policy should be a priority.
	The annual report on Migration and Integration (COM (2004) 508 final) was presented by the Commission. The Commission said that the report underlined the fact that the EU needed further immigration for economic and political reasons. The Commissions view was that while it was appropriate for the rules, particularly on economic migration, to be left to the Member States, there was also a need to move forward at a Community level. The Commission proposed speedy agreement in the Council on common principles on integration and that issues should be mainstreamed within wider policy frameworks.
	Finally, I have placed in the Library a copy of the list of A points which were approved at the Council (Document PTS A 36 11478/04).

Mobile Phones

Mike Wood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he plans to publish statistics on the number of motorists found using hand-held mobile phones while driving since 1 December 2003.

Paul Goggins: Data on police action (written warnings, fixed penalty notices and court proceedings) for 2003 on the new offence of driving whilst using a hand held mobile telephone will not be available until early 2005.
	2004 data will be published in autumn 2005.

Neighbourhood Watch

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what evidence he possesses to support the statement by the Minister for Crime Reduction, Policing and Community Safety that the Neighbourhood Watch name and logos are Crown copyright; and why this evidence was not made available before the National Neighbourhood Watch Association registered the name and logo in its name.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 13 September 2004
	The hon. Member may be aware that there is a legal dispute concerning the National Neighbourhood Watch Association's registration of the Neighbourhood Watch name and logos as its trade marks. As the question relates to issues in current legal proceedings, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further.

Overseas Police Secondments

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers are seconded to work in Iraq; from what force areas they are seconded; what the periods of their secondment are; at what cost they are employed in Iraq; what plans he has to increase their numbers; and if he will make a statement.

Bill Rammell: I have been asked to reply.
	There are currently 44 serving UK police officers seconded to the UK Consulate-General in Basra and the UK Embassy in Baghdad. In addition, 65 officers are posted to the Jordan International Police Training Centre near Amman in support of training Iraqi police officers there.
	These officers are drawn from 36 of the 52 police forces in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and from the Ministry of Defence Police. Their deployments vary from six to 18 months.
	The cost of supporting these officers in Iraq and Jordan from 1 April to August 2004 is estimated at 2.4 million.
	There are no current plans to increase these numbers.

Overseas Police Secondments

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers are seconded to work overseas in countries other than Iraq; from which forces they originate; what the cost was in April; and from which budget the costs are paid.

Bill Rammell: I have been asked to reply.
	The Government do not hold centrally information about the total number of serving police officers seconded to work overseas. However, the total number of police officers seconded from UK police forces to UN, EU, and OSCE policing/peacekeeping missions is currently 145.
	These officers are drawn from 37 of the 52 police forces in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and from the Ministry of Defence Police.
	The provisional out-turn estimates for supporting officers in these missions in the Financial Year 200304 was 15.6 million.
	These costs are met from the peacekeeping element of the Global and African Conflict Prevention Pools, managed jointly by the FCO, MOD and DfID.

People-smuggling Operations

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people-smuggling operations were disrupted in the last year for which figures are available.

Des Browne: Reflex, the multi agency task force on organised immigration crime disrupted 38 groups involved in organised immigration crime between April 2003 and April 2004.
	Between April 2004 and the end of June 2004 there have been 15 further disruptions.
	In addition to the work underway within Reflex, the Immigration Service also undertakes routine investigations against those involved in immigration related crime, including facilitators, procurement or supply of forged documentation and illegal working. Figures are not yet available for the number of smuggling operations disrupted as a result of this activity.

Police (Suffolk)

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many incidents of (a) anti-social behaviour and (b) alcohol-related crime there have been in each of the last seven years in (i) the Suffolk constabulary, (ii) the western area of the Suffolk constabulary and (iii) the eastern area of the Suffolk constabulary.

Hazel Blears: There is currently no data on the number of incidents of Anti Social Behaviour (ASB) due to the subjective nature of ASB itself. The latest data collected on ASB relate to the public perception of ASB in England and Wales and is measured by the British Crime Survey (BCS). Our Anti Social Behaviour strategy is aiming to reduce people's perception of anti social behaviour, as measured by the British Crime Survey (using a measure combining seven strands of anti social behaviour) by 200506 against the 200102 baseline. Latest figures show that the overall level of perceived ASB has fallen. The proportion of people estimated to perceive a high level of disorder in their local area fell from 19 per cent. to 16 per cent. between 200102 and 200304.
	BCS data show that nearly half of victims of violent crime thought that their attacker was under the influence of alcohol. However, because alcohol-related incidents are not a recorded crime category, we are unable to reliably measure them.
	This summer, the Home Office and the Association of Chief Police Officers jointly ran an Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign. This campaign saw 92 Basic Command Units participating in concerted activity with partners to tackle alcohol-fuelled violence and disorder. Ipswich was one of these participating BCUs. Results from-this campaign show that, in these 92 areas across eight weekends, there were over 1,000 arrests per week for alcohol-related offences.

Police Complaints Commission

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many arrests of (a) police officers and (b) civilians have been made in response to investigations carried out by the office of the Police Complaints Commission for England and Wales in each of the last four years.

Hazel Blears: It is assumed that the question refers to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) which was established under the Police Reform Act 2002 and commenced operations on 1 April 2004. It replaced the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) which ceased operations on 31 March 2004.
	I understand from the IPCC that since 1 April 2004 there have been no arrests of police officers or civilians in response to its investigations none of which have yet reached this stage.
	The PCA did not keep records of arrests in response to cases with which they were involved.

Police Complaints Commission

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many investigations carried out by the Police Complaints Commission for England and Wales have resulted in (a) successful prosecutions and (b) disciplinary charges being brought in each of the last four years.

Hazel Blears: It is assumed that the question refers to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) which was established under the Police Reform Act 2002 and commenced operations on 1 April 2004. It replaced the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) which ceased operations on 31 March 2004.
	I understand from the IPCC that since 1 April 2004 there have been no successful prosecutions or disciplinary charges brought as a result of its investigations, none of which have yet reached this stage.
	With regard to the PCA, records were not kept of successful prosecutions or disciplinary charges brought in connection with cases with which it was involved. The Home Office Statistical Bulletin on Police Complaints and Discipline (England and Wales) for the 12 months to March 2003 does however give figures on discipline /misconduct proceedings that resulted from substantiated complaints overall. These are:
	
		
			  19992000 200001 200102 200203 
		
		
			 Disciplinary Proceedingsunder the Police (Discipline) Regulations 1985 130 63 56 24 
			 Misconduct Proceedingsunder the Police (Conduct) Regulations 1999 16 83 78 88 
			 Total 146 146 134 112

Police Complaints Commission

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the total cost of the office of the Police Complaints Commission for England and Wales has been in each of the last three years.

Hazel Blears: It is assumed that the question refers to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) which was established under the Police Reform Act 2002 and commenced operations on 1 April 2004. It replaced the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) which ceased operations on 31 March 2004.
	Accounts for 200304 for both the PCA and the IPCC, which existed in shadow form during that year, are currently being audited by the National Audit Office. Once finalised they will be published in accordance with statutory requirements.
	
		
			  PCA total cost () 
		
		
			 200203 5,420,675 
			 200102 4,520,384 
			 200001 3,787,696

Police Complaints Commission

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff are employed (a) part-time and (b) full-time in the office of the Police Complaints Commission for England and Wales.

Hazel Blears: It is assumed that the question refers to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) which was established under the Police Reform Act 2002 and commenced operations on 1 April 2004. It replaced the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) which ceased operations on 31 March 2004.
	The IPCC currently employs 264 full-time staff and five part-time staff. These are made up of permanent staff, those on fixed term contracts, public appointees, secondees and temporary staff.

Police Misconduct

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what the policy of police authorities in England and Wales is on suspending a police officer against whom serious allegations of misconduct have been made by a member of the public pending inquiries into the allegations; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  the policy is of police authorities in England and Wales when serious allegations of misconduct have been made against serving police officers by a member of the public as to whether such an officer is suspended from duty pending enquiries into the allegations that have been made; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: Under the terms of the Police Reform Act 2002, the chief officer of a force is solely responsible for recording complaints about all officers complained against, up to and including the rank of Chief Superintendent, including special constables, and all police staff. The police authority for the force is solely responsible for recording complaints against all officers above the rank of Chief Superintendent including the chief officer.
	Regulations 4 and 5 of the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2004 define the circumstances in which an officer may be suspended. The decision to suspend officers up to and including the rank of Chief Superintendent is taken by the chief officer of the force; for officers ranked higher than Chief Superintendent the decision lies with the police authority.
	Home Office guidance states that the decision to suspend should be taken only when the presence of an officer on duty may be detrimental to criminal or disciplinary investigations or proceedings, or when it is in the public interest to do so. This will normally apply only in cases where the complaint or allegation is of a serious nature likely to result in disciplinary or criminal conviction, and an officer is likely to be dismissed, required to resign or demoted. Where the decision to suspend is based on the necessity of maintaining public confidence, an officer must be informed in writing of the specific factors relevant to this decision.
	Suspensions are subject to review by the suspending authority at least monthly, to determine whether the conditions that required the suspension still apply. A police authority may also consult with Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary for professional advice on the suspension of a senior officer. A police authority must obtain approval from the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) before suspending a senior officer, except in urgent cases, where approval must be obtained within 24 hours of the suspension beginning.

Press Officers

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many press officers are employed in his Department.

Fiona Mactaggart: The Department currently employs 39 Press Officers. (Press Officers within the Home Office are employed at the Information Officer (IO) and Senior Information Officer (SIO) grades.)
	Last year, the Press Office news desk answered 60,039 calls, issued 583 press notices and held 29 media briefings.

Proceeds of Crime Act 2002

Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assets have been recovered under the terms of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002; and how these proceeds have been disbursed since the Act came into force, broken down by region.

Caroline Flint: In 200203, the last year for which full data are available, a record amount of criminal assets was recovered, under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and earlier legislation, totalling 47 million.
	Receipts from recovered criminal assets are allocated to a range of initiatives. The Recovered Assets Incentive Fund was set up last financial year to incentivise asset recovery by asset recovery agencies, including law enforcement and prosecuting authorities. 15.5 million a year for three years has been allocated to the Fund. These sums have been fully committed over the three year period to projects, agreed by the Association of Chief Police Officers and others, that will increase the confiscation of criminal assets.
	Of 46.5 million that will be available under the Fund over three years, up to 12 million a year has been allocated to set up four new multi-agency Regional Asset Recovery Teams (RARTs) to disrupt organised crime groups, confiscate more criminal assets and to tackle money laundering. A successful pilot in the West Midlands has been rolled out to the North West, North East, Wales and London. The teams comprise staff from the police, National Crime Squad, Her Majesty's Customs and Excise, National Criminal Intelligence Service, Crown Prosecution Service, Assets Recovery Agency and the Inland Revenue.
	An additional seven million a year for three years has been made available separately from the Recovered Assets Incentive Fund for community based projects. Last year four million of the total available was allocated to the Adventure Capital Fund to regenerate communities across England. The remaining three million was allocated to regional government offices, of which 1.5 million funded anti-gun crime initiatives and 1.5 million funded capacity building in crime and disorder reduction partnerships, seven million available this year, three million has been committed to funding a community justice centre pilot scheme in Liverpool; two million to fund support services for victims of crime in England and Wales; and two million to fund new and existing projects to tackle gun crime in England and Wales.
	A new police incentivisation scheme introduced this year will enable police forces in England and Wales, and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, to receive a share of the criminal assets they recover locally, in the following year. Separate arrangements exist in Scotland. The scheme has the full support of the Association of Chief Police Officers in England and Wales. Police forces will benefit by receiving a third of all the recovered assets above 40 million in 200405, increasing to half for 200506. There will be no restrictions on how the police should spend this money so there may be scope in the future for them to devote some of the funds to community-based projects aimed at crime reduction.
	For 200607 onwards, we are working up a new incentive scheme under which all agencies involved in asset recovery will, where possible, be able to get back 50 per cent. of the assets they recover.

Public Relations/Marketing

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much was spent by his Department on public relations and marketing consultants in each of the last three years.

Fiona Mactaggart: The Home Office has appointed public relations agencies to support a number of campaigns over the last three years, but has not made use of independent PR consultants over this period.
	The Home Office has made occasional use of external marketing consultants to help develop marketing strategies which contribute to the delivery of departmental business objectives.
	Spending over the last three years was.
	
		
			  000 
		
		
			 2001/02 Nil 
			 2002/03 Nil 
			 2003/04 260,000

Special Constables

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to offer financial rewards to special constables.

Hazel Blears: As some Police Forces felt that the payment of an allowance to Special Constables might be beneficial, we introduced The Special Constables (Amendment) Regulations 2002, which came into effect on 10 January 2003. This allows police authorities to submit proposals, recommended by the Chief Constable, for locally funded allowance schemes. Proposals require the Secretary of State's approval. Police Authorities may secure funds from outside sources to help run these schemes.
	Four schemes have been approved so far. These are in Cumbria (Workington), West Midlands (H2 Operational Command Unit), Thames Valley (Thames Forest area) and Humberside (forcewide).

Special Constables

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will secure the removal of the special constable crest from the epaulettes of police uniforms in order to counter perceptions that special constables are inferior to those employed permanently.

Hazel Blears: It is for chief officers to decide what, if any, means of identification should be present on the uniforms of their force's special constables. Forces adopt a wide range of means of identifying their special constables, with some using the special constable crest on epaulettes and some not.
	Home Office advice when asked has been that decisions on how to identify specials in a particular force should be properly evaluated, and include an assessment of any risks to their safety.

Tetra

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the take-up of TETRA by each police authority in England; and what cost there has been to each police authority in addition to the costs met by his Department.

Caroline Flint: Airwave will be available to all police forces in England, Wales and Scotland. Currently Airwave is available to 40 forces, and it has more than 68,000 users. Initial feedback suggests that police users are delighted with the new system. Airwave will be available to all forces by the end of April 2005. Costs over and above those met by the Home Office are a matter for individual police authorities.

Vehicle Clamping

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what regulations govern the activities of vehicle clamping companies; what recent correspondence he has received regarding such activities; and what action he plans to take to restrict those activities.

Hazel Blears: The number of letters received on the issue of wheel clamping is not available centrally.
	The Security Industry Authority (SIA) was created under the powers of the Private Security Industry Act 2001 to regulate this and other areas of the private security industry.
	On current plans it will become an offence to engage in wheel clamping activities without an SIA licence with effect from 28 February 2005.
	There will be three checks on individuals applying for licences:
	An identity check of the licence applicant.
	A criminal record check to see if they have any relevant previous convictions.
	A check on professional competence to do the job.
	The requirement to show professional competence will include sections on proper payment procedures; correct identification and use of signs, lines and enforcement vehicles; and discretionary parking and customer care skills.

Visas

Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which Government Department is responsible for altering the terms of a seasonal agricultural worker's visa issued at the British embassy in Bulgaria.

Des Browne: I understand that the matter has now been resolved with the hon. Member.

Witness Protection

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have entered a witness protection programme in each year for which figures are available, broken down by police force.

Paul Goggins: This information is not currently available. The Home Office, in conjunction with the Scottish Executive, the Northern Ireland Office and the Association of Chief Police Officers, has appointed an independent consultant to carry out an assessment of witness protection arrangements nationally. The assessment is covering all cases where witness protection is afforded by UK law enforcement agencies including the police. It will provide us with valuable information about the numbers and circumstances in which witness protection is provided.
	The assessment commenced on 2 January; it was announced in the White Paper 'One Step Aheada 21st century strategy to defeat organised crime' which I published on 29 March. The assessment is due to be completed over the summer, and a final report will be available in the autumn.
	However, even after completion of this assessment, we are not intending to make available publicly any of this information below national level. Such information broken down by individual police force is obviously operationally sensitive and could compromise the integrity of witness protection programmes and the officers who work on them.

999 Services

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received on the centralisation of the 999 police service in Essex; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: The Home Office has not received any representations recently on emergency call-handling by Essex police.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Biodiversity Action Plan

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what definitions of the 45 priority habitats identified under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan have been established and agreed within the statutory nature conservation agencies in each county of the UK; and where such definitions have been, or will be, published.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 16 September 2004
	Initial definitions for each of the 45 priority habitats are provided in the relevant priority habitat action plans on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan website (www.ukbap.org.uk). These have been agreed by the statutory nature conservation agencies in the UK. The Countryside Council for Wales published a technical guide to the priority habitats of Wales in 2003. Work to produce a comprehensive interpretation manual for priority habitats at a UK level is well advanced and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee aims to publish this document by the end of this financial year.

Biodiversity Action Plan

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures she has taken pursuant to the Biodiversity Action Plan to integrate biodiversity considerations into policies and programmes affecting (a) agriculture, (b) water and wetlands, (c) woodland and forestry, (d) towns, cities and new developments and (e) coasts and seas; and if she will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 16 September 2004
	In October 2002 the Government published 'Working with the grain of nature', a biodiversity strategy for England. The strategy aims to facilitate implementation of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) in England, and to ensure that biodiversity is an integral consideration of all policies and programmes. It sets out work plans for integrating consideration of biodiversity into the main economic areas that affect it including agriculture, water and wetlands, woodland and forestry, towns, cities and development and coasts and seas.
	Implementation groups have been established to take forward the work plans for these key sectors. They include representatives from government, the agencies, conservation NGOs, and other relevant organisations. A first annual stock take on progress with the strategy was published in October 2003 and a full report will be published in 2006.

Biodiversity Action Plan

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion of assessments made in 2002 in relation to UK status and trends for the Biodiversity Action Plan priority species were based on (a) survey data and (b) estimates.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 16 September 2004
	There are currently 391 species action plans (SAPs) being implemented as part of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP). In 2002 Lead Partners were asked to report on progress with targets set in the plans and to estimate the current status and trend of the species.
	71 per cent. of the status assessments received were based on survey data and 29 per cent. were either based on estimates (17 per cent.) or no source was given for the assessment (12 per cent.). For trends, 59 per cent. of the assessments received were based on survey data and 41 per cent. were either based on estimates (32 per cent.) or no source was given for the assessment (9 per cent.).
	The UK Biodiversity Reporting and Information Group has been investigating the gaps in survey coverage revealed by 2002 reporting and expects the next BAP reporting round in 2005 to show a substantial improvement.

Biodiversity Action Plan

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures she has taken to improve the (a) surveillance and (b) monitoring of biodiversity since the 2002 biodiversity reporting round; what plans she has for new measures; and if she will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 16 September 2004
	Defra and the statutory nature conservation agencies have an extensive ongoing programme of biodiversity surveillance and monitoring mostly undertaken in partnership with the voluntary sector. Since 2002 these programmes have produced: a new atlas of the British flora; annual trends in populations of wild birds; new partnerships for surveillance of bats and other mammals; the first complete assessment of the condition of Sites of Special Scientific Interest in England; and, an internet gateway providing access to over 15 million species records in the National Biodiversity Network. We are also contributing funds to a major new project to assess the abundance of whales, dolphins and porpoises in European Atlantic waters.
	As part of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan a Biodiversity Reporting and Information Group has been established with a mandate to improve the monitoring and reporting of status and trends in priority habitats and species. The Group is currently planning to undertake a major review of status and trends in 2005.

Bovine TB

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether a distinction is made in the transport regulations of tuberculosis positive tested cattle between those over and under 30 months of age.

Ben Bradshaw: All TB reactors, both under and over 30 months (OTM) of age must be transported to slaughter under licence (TB 24(C)).
	Because TB reactor cattle under 30 months (UTM) of age are excluded from OTM slaughterhouses and vice versa, they must be transported separately.

Combined Heat and Power

Richard Younger-Ross: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the Government continues to estimate that between 300500 MWe of Micro-CHP capacity will be operational by 2010, as stated in its CHP strategy.

Elliot Morley: The estimate of 300500 MWe of Micro-CHP capacity operational by 2010 is still the best estimate we have available. Its reliability will depend upon how successful this new technology is in penetrating the market. We will keep the estimate under review as the market develops.

Combined Heat and Power

Richard Younger-Ross: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many combined heat and power plants benefit from business rates exemption.

Elliot Morley: CHP plants can claim business rate exemption direct from their Valuation Office, on the strength of a Good Quality CHP certificate and Secretary of State (exemption) certificate. Records are not held centrally of how many plants currently benefit from the exemption.

CITES

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what additional controls she is proposing to deal with trophy hunting, with specific reference to discussions at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

Elliot Morley: We believe that sufficient controls already exist to regulate the trade in hunting trophies and this issue has not been included in the agenda for discussion at the Conference of CITES Parties, which is to take place in Bangkok next month. The EU can prohibit the importation of particular species as hunting trophies if it considers the hunt to be unsustainably managed.

CITES

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what rules govern hunted trophy imports into (a) the UK and (b) the EU; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: Under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), trade in hunting trophies is permitted only where the specimens were lawfully acquired and the trade will not be detrimental to the conservation of the species. This applies both to imports to the UK and to the EU as a whole.
	Import permits are not needed for trophies of species listed in Appendix II of CITES, where these are being imported as personal effects, although the owner will need to provide customs with a copy of the permit issued by the exporting country.
	Where there is evidence that hunting trophies are being imported illegally, or that the trade is unsustainable, we shall not hesitate to take action as appropriate. Such action could include making formal representations to the CITES Standing Committee or the EU member states to suspend trade, and advice to HM Customs and Excise to seize trophies that have been imported illegally.

Colchester Oyster

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received to request the European Union to give Protected Geographical Indicator (PGI) status to the Colchester oyster; what action she has taken to secure PGI status; and if she will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: An application to register 'Colchester Oyster' as a Protected Geographical Indication under the EU Protected Food Name scheme was received earlier this year. Officials have assessed the application against the scheme criteria and are now finalising the application in consultation with the applicant group. The next step will be to consult formally other interested parties within the UK. Subject to the findings of that consultation process, the application will be submitted to the European Commission to consider.

Combined Sewer Overflows

Paul Truswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department has taken (a) to assess and (b) to deal with problems created by combined sewer overflows since 1997; and what plans she has for further action.

Elliot Morley: As part of the five yearly Periodic Reviews of water company price limits, in 1999 and 2004, the Secretary of State has issued guidance to the Office of Water Services (Ofwat) on what is to be achieved by the water industry in England concerning combined sewer overflows and other intermittent discharges.
	Within this framework the Environment Agency and water companies identify and assess problematic combined sewer overflows for improvement in the next five years.
	Following the Periodic Review in 1999 a programme of around 4,500 problematic overflows are to be improved by 2005. A further programme is proposed for improvement in the next Periodic Review period from 2005 to 2010.

Conservation Support

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of how much of the money raised through import permits for hunting trophies is returned to support conservation in the country of origin; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 16 September 2004
	It is not possible to make such an assessment as the countries concerned are not required to provide this information.

Cormorants

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the inclusion of cormorants in the issue of licences to kill.

Ben Bradshaw: All wild birds, including the cormorant are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which implements the EC Wild Birds Directive in Great Britain. Licences can be issued under Section 16 of the 1981 Act to kill or take certain birds for specific reasons, either on an individual or general basis. Licences can be granted to kill or take cormorants where it can be shown that such action will prevent serous damage to fisheries or inland waters. These licences are issued on an individual basis.
	The general licences allow authorised persons, such as landowners or occupiers, to kill or take these pest birds, such as pigeon, and corvids, as well as to destroy nests and oil or prick eggs of these birds all year round, subject to specified conditions. Bird species considered for placing on a general licence are those which are considered a pest and numbers are plentiful such as pigeons. Although number of cormorants have increased, the estimated GB population size of 23,000 with an England population of just over 11,000 is not sufficient to warrant a general cull without leading to local extinctions and impacts on biodiversity.
	I announced on 16 September new measures to deal with the conflicts between cormorants and the fishing community. This does not include the inclusion of the cormorant onto a general licence.

Crustacean Fishing

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  if she will make a statement on the status of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1954/2003Western Waters;
	(2)  whether under Council Regulation (EC) No. 1954/2003Western Waters, UK shell fishermen could be prevented from fishing by the end of 2004;
	(3)  whether under Article 12 of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1954/2003Western Waters, Spanish fishermen will be permitted to fish for crab stocks in UK waters; and what her policy is on that provision.

Ben Bradshaw: Council Regulation (EC) No. 1954/2003 establishes an effort management regime for EU vessels over 15 metres overall length fishing for demersal species, scallops and edible and spider crabs in ICES divisions V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X and certain parts of the waters managed by the Fisheries Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic (CECAF) and for vessels over 10 metres overall length fishing for these species in the biologically sensitive area in that part of area VII off the south and west coast of Ireland. The Regulation prohibits directed fishing for these species in Western Waters without a permit and provides for the setting of annual fishing effort allocations for each member state for each area and fishery described above. Those effort allocations are contained in Annex I of Council Regulation 1415/2004 and include effort allocations for UK vessels fishing for crabs in ICES areas V, VI, VII and VIII. These are based on the historic fishing activity of the UK crabbing fleet and so I would not expect UK shell fishermen to be prevented from fishing from the end of 2004. In the unlikely event that any of the UK crab effort allocations were in danger of being exhausted, Article 12 of Regulation 1954/2004 would allow the UK to submit a request to the Commission for an adjustment to its effort allocation either by an increase in the permitted fishing effort in a particular area or by a shift in fishing effort between areas. Such a request would need to be accompanied by a scientific assessment of the stock situation.
	Regulation 1415/2004 provides effort allocations for Spain for crabs in ICES areas VIII, IX and CECAF but not in ICES areas V, VI, VII or X. Any request by Spain under Article 12 of Regulation 1954/2003 for increased effort allocations for crabs in UK waters would also need to be accompanied by a full scientific assessment of the stock situation which we would expect to be subject to rigorous scrutiny.

Crustacean Fishing

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans her Department has to improve the monitoring of UK fisheries to prevent (a) illegal incursions from foreign fishing fleets, (b) criminal behaviour directed by animal rights groups against lobster fishermen and (c) the theft of clams from Poole harbour.

Ben Bradshaw: United Kingdom Fisheries Departments maintain aerial and sea surveillance within UK waters to ensure compliance with fisheries legislation by all fishing vessels including those from foreign fleets. These arrangements are regularly reviewed. An essential element of effective enforcement at sea is co-operation between member states. This is something that the Government fully support. The UK is a signatory to the declaration by the recently-formed Scheveningen Group whose aim is to improve co-operation between North Sea coastal member states. We also intend to play a constructive part in discussions on the Community Fisheries Control Agency, one of whose key roles will be to co-ordinate member states' enforcement activities.
	British sea fishery officers are not empowered to deal with criminal behaviour by animal rights activists. The Government announced on 30 July in the paper Animal WelfareHuman Rights: tackling animal rights extremism a number of changes to strengthen the law on protests outside homes and harassment. These new proposals will strengthen on going action by the Government, police and Crown Prosecution Service and the courts to enforce existing legislation robustly and to ensure effective co-ordination to combat the criminal activities of extremists.
	The theft of clams from Poole harbour is a matter for the Southern Sea Fisheries Committee to consider. Under the Poole Fishery Order 1985 (SI 1985 No. 847) the Committee is responsible for imposing and enforcing licensing and other restrictions on the fishing or taking of clams in a large area of Poole harbour. The Committee is also responsible for regulating fisheries elsewhere in the harbour under other legislation.

Departmental Car Use

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what changes there have been in (a) road transport vehicle carbon dioxide emissions and (b) single occupancy car commuting in her Department against the baseline year.

Alun Michael: The baseline year for collecting these figures in Defra was 200203. Figures for 200304 show:
	(a) an 11 per cent. reduction in road transport vehicle CO 2 emissions
	(b) a 1 per cent. increase in single occupancy car commuting.

Departmental Estate

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what total floor space area of buildings was owned or leased by her Department and its agencies in each year from 1997.

Alun Michael: The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs was created on 8 June 2001. The total floor space area of buildings owned or leased by the Department and its agencies, including space occupied by other Government Departments or let to external organisations is:
	
		
			  Square metres 
		
		
			 200102 415,939 
			 200203 388,810 
			 200304 383,184

Departmental Estate

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the most significant sustainable development impacts are which she has identified in relation to the operation of her Department's estate.

Alun Michael: The most significant negative sustainable development impacts have been identified as:
	EnvironmentalUse of land and associated landfill impacts (such as leachate and methane gas production) from waste disposal; Use of non-renewable resources; Contributions to global warming due to utility use and project management practices; Contributions to ground level ozone and greenhouse effects from the use of refrigerants and materials during maintenance of buildings; Land take for the development of new properties; Atmospheric emissions contributing to global warming associated with business travel, fleet cars and staff commuting.
	SocialImpact of landfill on local community from leachate and methane gas production, noise and visual impacts; Local and global health impacts associated with air emissions, global warming and volatile organic compounds (VOCs); Health, Safety and Welfare impacts of work practices and procedures.
	The most significant positive impacts have been identified as:
	EnvironmentalReduced air emissions from effective green travel and transport planning; Protection of biodiversity through land and ground management; Reduced need for landfill and associate emissions due to increased recycling and recovery of materials; Reduced use of non-renewable resources through appropriate procurement specification and management.
	SocialReduced health, noise and visual impacts from waste disposal due to increased recycling and recovery of materials; Improved staff welfare and health benefits from effective green travel planning.
	EconomicLocal job creation and improvements to local transport provision resulting from office location, relocation and co-location projects.

Departmental Estate

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what parts of her Department's estate will not be covered by the commitments set out in the Framework for Sustainable Development on the Government Estate.

Alun Michael: Our aim is for as much as possible of the Defra estate to be covered by the Framework commitments. This means that different approaches may be appropriate for each part of the Framework.
	Environmental Management Systems are being introduced at Defra sites except where there are plans for disposal, where we are a minor occupier sharing with another department, or where there are very few staff.
	The waste targets currently apply to sites where Defra is the major or sole occupier and there are more than 50 staff.
	The entire Defra estate is covered by Framework commitments on travel, energy, water, and biodiversity.

Departmental Estate

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what changes there have been in water consumption by her Department in each year from 1997.

Alun Michael: The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs was created on 8 June 2001.
	Total water consumption in buildings for which Defra has a contractual responsibility is shown below with details of performance against the Government target of 7.7 m 3 per person per year.
	
		
			  Consumption Percentage change m(32) per person p.a. 
		
		
			 200102 434,613  8.11 
			 200203 417,343 -4 8.00 
			 200304 416,180 -0.28 7.54

Departmental Estate

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the non-office sites within the Department's estates which have been identified as being likely to provide opportunities for significant water savings.

Alun Michael: A detailed survey of Defra's non-office sites was conducted in 200001 to establish baselines against which water saving opportunities could be measured. The contractual nature of the work in the Department's laboratories precludes simple year-on-year savings, but during 200304 three non-office sites were identified as providing opportunities for significant water savings. They were the Veterinary Laboratories Agency Regional Laboratories at Winchester, Bristol and Exeter.

Departmental Services

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which services within her Department will be (a) affected by and (b) subject to job losses consequent on the cuts in the civil service announced in the Spending Review.

Alun Michael: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 16 September, Official Report, column 1659W.

Departmental Water/Sewerage Charges

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much her Department and its agencies spent on water and sewerage services in each year from 1997.

Alun Michael: The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs was created on 8 June 2001. Expenditure on water and sewerage services in buildings for which Defra and its agencies have a contractual responsibility was:
	
		
			   
		
		
			 200102 543,004 
			 200203 546,333 
			 200304 508,339

Diet (Environmental Impact)

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will carry out a lifecycle analysis of the environmental impact of typical (a) vegetarian and (b) non-vegetarian diets; and if she will make a statement.

Alun Michael: The Government's broad approach to the challenges of sustainable consumption and production is set out in the framework document, Changing Patterns, published last year. Part of the approach is to base policy development on evidence about the whole life-cycle of products and services in the economy, to help optimise the use of natural resources and minimise overall environmental impacts. Production and consumption patterns in the food chain have significant implications for resource use and for the environment, so this area will be an important part of my Department's work to build up a robust evidence base for future policy. Officials are reviewing the body of research presently available, to help us reach a view on what further work may be desirable.

Environmental Targets

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will set out the Government's performance against its main environmental targets since May 1997.

Elliot Morley: The latest outturn of all Defra's outstanding Public Service Agreement targets and other targets can be found in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Departmental Report 2004 published on 29 April 2004, Cmd. 6219. Copies are available from the House Library, The Stationary Office or on Defra's website at http://defraweb/corporate/deprep/default.htm
	Defra will report its next outturn against its targets in its 2004 Autumn Performance Report, which will be published later this year.

EU (Co-existence Regimes)

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which EU member states have a co-existence regime in place; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The Danish Government have adopted primary, or framework, legislation to set out their broad approach on rules for the co-existence of GM and non-GM crops. In Germany, framework legislation has been proposed but not yet adopted. In the UK, we have initiated our co-existence consultation process with a series of preliminary workshop meetings. The purpose of these is to gather information before we issue a written consultation package. Our aim is to have a co-existence regime in place before GM crops are grown commercially in the UK.

European Chemicals Agency

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many staff she estimates will be employed by the proposed European Chemicals Agency under the REACH proposals.

Alun Michael: The size and composition of the proposed European Chemicals Agency (to be located in Helsinki, Finland) will depend very much on the outcome of the current EU negotiations on REACH and is, therefore, difficult to estimate. Bearing this in mind, the Finnish Government have estimated that approximately 200 people from all over the EU will be employed by the Agency.
	The Government support the creation of a European Chemicals Agency. However, we do not expect the Agency to be a large organisation as we expect full use to be made of the expertise that lies with member states. The Government considers that the size of the Agency must be appropriate to secure the confidence of stakeholders and ensure that REACH is operated in a transparent, consistent and harmonised way across the EU.

European Habitats Directive

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the complaint made to the European Commission about alleged contravention of the European Habitats Directive by the Irish Government in relation to the salmon drift net fishery; and what assessment she has made of the impact of the alleged contravention on salmon stocks.

Ben Bradshaw: Since the UK Government are not party to this complaint we are not aware of how matters stand between the European Commission and the Irish Government in relation to it.
	Tagging studies suggest that the Irish Salmon Drift Net Fishery takes less than 1 per cent. of salmon returning to rivers in the north-east of England, but this proportion is greater for stocks in Wales and the west of England, possibly increasing to around 10 per cent. for some rivers in the south and south-west.
	Government take every opportunity to press the Irish to phase out this fishery.

Farm Prices

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the Milk Development Council Report, Dairy Supply Chain Margins 200304; and whether she has accepted the key findings in respect of farm gate and retail price movements and differentials.

Alun Michael: The lack of transparency regarding prices and margins in the dairy supply chain was an issue highlighted in the recent EFRA committee report on milk pricing. We are still considering the Milk Development Council report and assessing the contribution its recommendations could make to addressing these issues.

Farm Prices

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reasons London Economics was commissioned to produce a report on the impact of supermarkets on farm gate prices; and how much this report cost her Department.

Alun Michael: Defra commissioned this research in order to examine the evidence for a decline in the share of the retail price of food received by farmers and to determine the factors that could account for this. Special attention was to be given to the possible influence of supermarkets. The study was to place the UK experience within the context of other EU member states.
	The report was commissioned at the time when the Competition Commission was investigating four grocery multiples bidding for Safeway and in a wider context of concerns about the declining share of farm prices as a proportion of retail spending on food.
	The selection of London Economics was the result of a competitive process, based on an invitation to a number of consultancies and academics to submit proposals for this project. London Economics was paid 96,375, excluding VAT, for the report.

Farmed Ducks

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to introduce greater control of intensively farmed ducks; and if she will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: The welfare of ducks is protected by the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968, which makes it an offence to cause unnecessary pain or unnecessary distress. More detailed standards are laid down in the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2000 (S.I. 1870). These regulations include specific requirements on inspections, record keeping, freedom of movement, buildings and equipment and feed and water.
	There is also a specific Code of Recommendations for the Welfare of Ducks. Flock-keepers are required by law to have access to, and be familiar with this code, which encourages all those who care for ducks to adopt the highest standards of husbandry.
	We are currently revising the duck welfare code and a three month public consultation ended on 10 September.

Fisheries

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the percentage of (a) plaice, (b) cod, (c) dab, (d) flounder, (e) herring, (f) haddock, (g) skate and (h) huss (i) landed in British ports and (ii) in the North Sea which are diseased.

Ben Bradshaw: Fish with obvious signs of disease are not generally landed because they would not be marketable. Data on landings of diseased fish are therefore not collected. However, any unusual disease trends in fish catches and landings would be noticed by the industry and reported to Defra via the Sea Fisheries Inspectorate.
	Defra undertakes a regular programme of disease surveillance of fish stocks in the North Sea, although sample sites may not necessarily be in areas of commercial fishing activity. The work is carried out by the CEFAS, Weymouth Laboratory and the programme follows standardised methodologies, which have been agreed internationally by the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) for sampling and reporting fish diseases.
	The percentage of cod, plaice, herring, haddock and flounder with obvious disease signs is very low, usually less than 1 per cent. Dab are unusually susceptible to diseases and in localised areas the prevalence may be up to 1020 per cent. with lower levels in the northern North Sea. Up to 40 per cent. of dab in some areas such as West Dogger Bank exhibit abnormal pigmentation but it is not known whether this is indicative of disease as no causative agent has been found. Studies are also being carried out on liver nodules (tumours) in dab and these indicate that the condition is present in fish in most areas but with a higher incidence of up to 14 per cent. at Flamborough and West Dogger. Insufficient number of skate and huss are caught during the monitoring programme to allow meaningful disease assessment to be made.

Gangmasters (Licensing) Act

Alan Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with representatives of the farming industry about the impact of the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004 on (a) machinery co-operatives, (b) machinery rings and (c) voluntary arrangements between farmers which involve the sharing of employees' time.

Alun Michael: The definition of a gangmaster in the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004 has been drafted as widely as possible to avoid creating loopholes which might be exploited by unscrupulous gangmasters. The licensing requirements in the Act would apply to the supply of labour with machinery or associated with the supply of services by a contractor, however the Act makes provision for the Secretary of State to exclude specific activities from the licensing arrangements through secondary legislation. This flexible approach will ensure licensing applies where there is a risk that gang workers will be exploited while avoiding the imposition of unnecessary burdens on bona fide farming arrangements where the risk of exploitation is minimal.
	When the Gangmasters (Licensing) Bill was being debated I confirmed that the Government would bring forward regulations to exempt from the licensing arrangements farming operations which do not involve the supply of gang labour. I also confirmed that the Government would consult widely on the scope of these exclusions.
	This process has started and a working group involving all key stakeholders has been brought together to work with us on this. The working group met for the first time on 2 August 2004 and will continue to meet during the autumn. A full draft of the Exclusions Regulations will be made available for comment later in the year. This will give everyone with an interest an opportunity to comment.

GM Seed Directive

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discretion the Government have not to implement a GM seed directive that has been added to the European common catalogue.

Ben Bradshaw: The European Common Catalogue, established under Council Directive 2002/53/EC on the Common Catalogue of varieties of agricultural plant species, is an amalgam of individual member states' national lists. Varieties that have been added to the Common Catalogue can normally be freely marketed throughout the EC.
	The Common Catalogue Directive makes provision for a member state to apply to the European Commission for authorisation to prohibit the use of a GM variety within its own territory, or to lay down appropriate conditions for cultivation of the variety, where either;
	(a) it has established that cultivation of the variety could pose a risk to plant health of other cultivated varieties or species, or there are valid reasons for considering that it may pose a risk to human health or the environment, or
	(b) official growing trials, undertaken within that member state's territory, clearly show that the variety does not have a Value for Cultivation and Use (VCU) within that member state.
	I assume my hon. Friend's question relates to the recent addition of 17 GM maize varieties to the European Common Catalogue. The maize varieties in question all contain the same GM transformation event, which was given EU wide approval for commercial cultivation in 1998. The approvals process addresses plant and human health and environmental safety issues.
	These varieties have not undergone any official UK growing trials, as referred to in (b) above. Therefore at present there is no basis for the Government to seek a prohibition on the marketing of these varieties in the UK. However, they are not suited to UK conditions and it is not anticipated that any UK farmer would attempt to grow these varieties.

Hazardous Waste

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make monthly statements over the following 12 months on the number of hazardous waste producers contacting her Department and the agencies for which she is responsible who have been unable to find a waste contractor able to take the hazardous waste they produce, giving details of the (a) type of waste and (b) amount of waste concerned.

Elliot Morley: The Department, the Environment Agency and Envirowise each have arrangements in place to deal with inquiries from business and industry on hazardous waste, and in particular on the changes brought in by the Landfill Directive. The agency has set up a national call centre, and Envirowise has established a dedicated helpline. Inquiries to the respective organisations are on a range of issues. I have asked my officials to collate information on the inquiries received, and place this data on the Department's website. Waste producers who cannot find a waste contractor able to take their waste are encouraged to follow a number of options including contacting the agency or Envirowise. Other options are to contact a member of the Environment Services Association, their own trade association, or check the options available to them to reduce or eliminate the hazardousness of the waste.

Hazardous Waste

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 21 July 2004, Official Report, column 250W, on hazardous waste, if she will provide full details of the sampling process used to obtain the cross section of small businesses that received the survey; how many businesses were sent the survey; how many businesses returned the survey; and if she will place a copy of (a) the survey and (b) the full responses received in the Library.

Elliot Morley: The survey, about awareness of hazardous waste issues, was distributed to 199 small businesses through the Institute of Directors (54) and the Small Business Service (95 electronically and 50 by post). Approximately 37 businesses returned the survey direct to Defra (17 electronically and approximately 20 by post). The 20 hard copies were not retained, but the original survey has been placed in the Library along with the 17 electronic returns and the compiled results for all 37 responses returned as percentages.

Hydrofluorocarbon Emissions

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what revisions, indicating amounts of increase or decrease, have been made in 2004 to the estimates of UK emissions of hydrofluorocarbons occurring in 2000 which were first reported to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2002 from (a) mobile air conditioning, (b) commercial refrigeration and (c) metered dose inhalers; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 15 September 2004
	The following table shows the emissions of hydrofluorocarbons, expressed in kilotonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, for the year 2000 that were reported by the UK to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in i) 2002; and ii) 2004.
	
		
			 Sector Emissions for year 2000 reported in 2002 (kt CO2 eq.) Emissions for year 2000 reported in 2004 (kt CO2 eq.) Change: [reported 2004]- [reported 2002] (kt CO2 eq.) 
		
		
			 (a) Mobile air conditioning 481 785 +304 
			 (b) Commercial refrigeration 2265 2640 +375 
			 (c) Metered dose inhalers 325 894 +569 
		
	
	This upward revision in each of these sectors is the result of recent work undertaken for Defra on emissions estimates of hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulphur hexafluoride. The reasons for the change in emissions in the specific sectors include:
	(a) In the mobile air conditioning (MAC) sector, a faster penetration of MAC in the UK vehicle fleet than previously estimated and changes to emission factors used in the emissions model;
	(b) For commercial refrigeration, revised activity and equipment lifetime data for certain sub-sectors and changes to the calculation methodology and emission factors used in the emissions model; and
	(c) For metered dose inhalers, revised estimates of the hydrofluorocarbons bank size based on new data from manufacturers.

Imported Primates

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many primates, broken down by species, have been imported into the UK in each of the last 10 years; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The following table shows the numbers of species imported. Current records commenced in 1997.
	
		
			 Scientific name and year of import  Common name Total number per species 
		
		
			 Aotus lemurinus Douroucolli  
			 1999 1 1 
			 Ateles fusciceps Spider monkey  
			 1999 1 1 
			
			 Callicebus cupreus Ornate titi  
			 2001 2  
			 2002 11 13 
			
			 Callimico goeldi Goeldi's tamarin  
			 1998 1 1 
			
			 Callithrix argentata Black tailed marmoset  
			 2002 1  
			 2004 1 2 
			
			 Callithrix geoffroyi White fronted marmoset  
			 1999 18  
			 2002 5 23 
			
			 Callithrix jacchus Common marmoset  
			 1997 18  
			 1998 24  
			 1999 38 80 
			
			 Cebus albifrons White fronted capuchin  
			 1999 8  
			 2002 1 9 
			
			 Cebus apella Tufted capuchin  
			 1998 24  
			 1999 32  
			 2001 1 57 
			
			 Cercopithecus ascanius Black-cheeked white nosed monkey  
			 1998 1 1 
			
			 Cercopithecus hamlyni Owl-faced monkey  
			 1999 4 4 
			  
			 Cercopitecus mona Mona monkey  
			 1998 10 10 
			
			 Cercopithecus petaurista Lesser white nosed monkey  
			 1998 10 10 
			
			 Chlorocebus aethiops Vervet monkey  
			 2000 1  
			 2002 1 2 
			
			 Daubentonia madagascariensis Aye-aye  
			 2001 1 1 
			
			 Galago senegalensis Senegal Galago  
			 1997 4 4 
			
			 Galago demidoff Dwarf Galago  
			 1997 10 10 
			
			 Gorilla gorilla Gorilla  
			 2000 2 2 
			
			 Hapalemur griseus Grey gentle lemur  
			 2001 2  
			 2002 2 4 
			
			 Hylobates agilis Dark handed gibbon  
			 2000 1  
			 2001 1 2 
			
			 Hylobates gabriellae Buff cheeked gibbon  
			 2000 2  
			 2001 3 5 
			 Hylobates lar White handed gibbon  
			 2000 1  
			 2001 2 3 
			
			 Hylobates moloch Silvery gibbon  
			 2000 2 2 
			
			 Hylobates muelleri Muller's gibbon  
			 2000 1 1 
			
			 Hylobates spp Gibbon  
			 2000 1 1 
			
			 Leontopithecus chrysmela Golden headed Lion tamarin  
			 2000 1 1 
			
			 Leontopithecus rosalia Golden lion tamarin  
			 2002 1 1 
			
			 Macaca fascicularis Crab eating macaque  
			 1997 704  
			 1998 2442  
			 1999 1186  
			 2000 1599  
			 2001 1967  
			 2002 2152  
			 2003 1859  
			 2004 655 12,564 
			
			 Macaca mulatta Rhesus monkey  
			 1997 184  
			 1998 96  
			 1999 124  
			 2000 153  
			 2001 46  
			 2002 74  
			 2003 2  
			 2004 20 699 
			  
			 Macaca nigra Celebes crested macaque  
			 2000 5  
			 2002 1 6 
			
			 Mandrillus sphinx Mandrill  
			 2001 1 1 
			
			 Nycticebus pygmaeus Lesser slow loris  
			 1999, 4 4 
			
			 Pan troglodytes Chimpanzee  
			 1999 1  
			 2000 1  
			 2002 2  
			 2003 1  
			 2004 1 6 
			
			 Pitheca pitheca White faced saki  
			 2002 1 1 
			
			 Pongo pygmaeus Orang-utan  
			 2000 1  
			 2001 2  
			 2003 2 5 
			
			 Presbytis comata Java leaf monkey  
			 1998 8 8 
			
			 Presbytis melalophos Mitred leaf monkey  
			 1998 4 4 
			
			 Saguinus bicolor Pied tamarind  
			 2004 1 1 
			
			 Saguinus imperator   
			 2000 1 1 
			
			 Saguinus midas Negro tamarind  
			 1998 17  
			 1999 54 71 
			
			 Saimiri boliviensis Squirrel monkey  
			 1998 6 6 
			
			 Saimiri sciureus Common squirrel monkey  
			 1997 30  
			 1998 54  
			 1999 266 350 
			
			 Trachypithecus obsurus Spectacled langur  
			 1998 1 1 
			
			 Varecia variegata Ruffed lemur  
			 2001 2 2 
			
			 Total  13,981

Imported Primates

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many (a) rhesus macaques and (b) long-tailed macaques of (i) wild-caught origin, (ii) first generation captive bred and (iii) second generation or more captive bred have been imported into the UK in each of the last 10 years; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The following tables show the numbers of animals imported. None of them were wild caught. Current records commenced in 1997.
	
		Rhesus macaque (macaca mulatta)
		
			  First generation captive bred Second generation or more captive bred 
		
		
			 1997 0 184 
			 1998 0 96 
			 1999 0 124 
			 2000 0 153 
			 2001 0 46 
			 2002 0 74 
			 2003 0 2 
			 2004 0 20 
			 Total 0 699 
		
	
	
		Long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis)
		
			  First generation captive bred Second generation or more captive bred 
		
		
			 1997 628 76 
			 1998 2,338 104 
			 1999 927 259 
			 2000 1,376 223 
			 2001 1,581 386 
			 2002 1,574 578 
			 2003 1,474 385 
			 2004 517 138 
			 Total 10,415 2,149 
			
			 Grand total  12,564

Japanese Knotweed

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what public protection guidance her Department has offered local authorities with regard to the use of Tordon 22k to combat Japanese knotweed.

Ben Bradshaw: Japanese knotweed (Fallopia Japonica) is a large and vigorous weed, which is considered a troublesome pest in many parts of the country.
	Tordon 22k is highly effective against Japanese knotweed when applied in line with directions for use on the label. Tordon 22k contains the active substance picloram and is fully approved for use on land not intended for cropping, nor is it appropriate for use in or near water, or near trees. There are no specific consents required to use this product but any user must follow all of the conditions of use and directions for use on the product label. This product is for professional use only as an agricultural/horticultural/industrial herbicide. Conditions relating to its sale, supply, storage and use are covered under Schedules 2 and 3 to the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986.
	The Department has not issued specific guidance to local authorities on the use of Tordon 22k, however, the Pesticides Safety Directorate do publish general advice on the use of pesticides. The use of Tordon 22k is recommended in the Environment Agency's Code of Practice for the management of Japanese knotweed on development sites. The Code of Practice is available from www.environment-agency.gov.uk and is currently being revised. English Nature, the Government's statutory nature conservation advisers, refer to Tordon 22k in their herbicide handbook Guidance on the use of herbicides in nature conservation sites (available from www.english-nature.org.uk).

Lions

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will support the proposal to upgrade the African lion to Appendix 1 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species at the next Conference of the Parties.

Elliot Morley: There are very strict biological criteria that have to be met before a species can be listed on Appendix I of CITES and we also have to be satisfied that a trade ban is the most appropriate method for addressing this problem. Doubts have been expressed as to whether the proposal satisfies these very strict criteria and most of the range states are opposed to an Appendix I listing. The UK, recognising that some lion populations have declined, in common with the other ED member states, is currently keeping an open position and would like to explore the scope for an agreed solution with the range states before coming to a final decision on this matter.

Marine Planning

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress she has made in bringing to a conclusion (a) the review of marine nature conservation, (b) the marine fisheries and environment enforcement review, (c) the review of coastal and marine consent and (d) the development of the EU marine strategy; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The Review of Marine Nature Conservation Working Group published its report to Government on 26 July. The report detailed its investigations and made recommendations for improving protection for marine habitats, species and ecosystems in the UK maritime area. The Government are considering the Working Group's report and hopes to respond to its recommendations by the end of the year.
	Defra published the Review of Marine Fisheries and Environment Enforcement on 8 July. The Review makes a number of recommendations on organisational options for inshore enforcement bodies, the promotion and licensing of sea angling and charging inshore commercial and recreational fishermen. Interested parties have until 29 September to comment. The Government will consider the Review in the light of these comments with a view to responding before the end of the year.
	The Government are still considering the options for possible longer-term reform to modernise and rationalise the current complex coastal and marine consenting regime, following the work by my noble Friend the Lord Rooker on the consents review.
	The draft EU Marine Thematic Strategy is being prepared by the European Commission. The UK has played an active role in the working groups, and will be participating in a stakeholder conference in November at which a first draft of the Strategy is due to be discussed. The Commission plan to submit the strategy to the European Council and Parliament by May 2005.

Organic Egg Production

Mark Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what assessment she has made of the implications for competition between UK and other EU producers of the removal of the derogation on flock size and stocking density on pre-1999 organic egg producers;
	(2)  what representations she has received concerning the decision to remove the derogation on flock size and stocking density for organic egg producers in production in 1999; and if she will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: In July we wrote to the industry seeking their views on the expiry of the derogation. 21 responses were received from a variety of industry representatives, including the National Farmers Union, individual producers, producers associations, organic certification bodies and multiple retailers.
	After careful consideration of all the representations received and taking account of the interests of the organic poultry sector as a whole, I have decided that organic poultry producers should be allowed to continue to benefit from this derogation, which permits stocking densities and flock sizes higher than normally permitted in respect of livestock producing holdings with existing buildings constructed before 24 August 1999, until 31 December 2010. This will put UK producers on an even footing with those in the rest of the European Union.

Over-30-month Scheme

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to abolish the over-30-month scheme.

Ben Bradshaw: The future of the over-30-month Scheme is linked to any change to the over thirty months (OTM) rule. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) advised on 6 July that a move to replace the OTM rule by BSE testing of cattle born after 1 August 1996 continues to be justified on the grounds of the food-borne risk to consumers and proportionality. The Government are still considering the FSA advice. No decision has been made as yet.

Peat Bogs

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will propose Bolton Fell and Solway Moss peat bogs for Special Area of Conservation protection; and if she will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: Bolton Fell and Solway Moss are being considered for designation as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC). Consultations on these two sites are ongoing in the light of scientific objections raised about their candidature. Once this process has been concluded, and if the sites meet the selection criteria for SAC protection, they will be designated.

Peat Bogs

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list peat bog sites broken down by (a) area and (b) protected status.

Ben Bradshaw: There is no comprehensive list of all peat bogs in the UK. A list of Protected bogs according to country and their designation status has been placed in the Library of the House. National designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) in Northern Ireland underpins international designation as a candidate Special Area of Conservation. This underpinning means that there are overlaps between Sites of Special Scientific Interest and candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSACs). Where the information is available this is shown on the list that has been placed in the Library of the House. Some cSACs may cover peat bog, but may be designated because of another natural feature of importance.

Peat Bogs

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the Government's strategy for protecting peat bogs.

Ben Bradshaw: Both blanket bog and lowland raised bog are priority habitats under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. The Action Plans are published and are posted on the UKBAP website: www.ukbap.org.uk. Statutory site designation plays an important part in the conservation of both these types of bog. Notification as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) or Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs) in Northern Ireland, provides protection for over 400 peat bogs, with many of the most important areas managed by statutory conservation agencies through agreements with site owners. Where appropriate, the designation process can include compulsory purchase of the land. The UK has proposed 106 active and degraded raised bogs as candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSACs) under the Habitats Directive, and 107 blanket bog sites as cSACs. In addition to this site designation, the UK is also encouraging the development of non-peat alternatives as growing media and promoting the use of alternatives. Our aim is for a minimum of 40 per cent. of total market requirements to be peat free by 2005 and 90 per cent. by 2010.

Peat Bogs

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what area of peat bogs has been lost to commercial peat extraction in each year since 1997.

Ben Bradshaw: Peat extraction is measured in cubic metres. The following figures shows peat extraction every year since 1997 and are derived from the British Geological Survey's Minerals Yearbook and the Office of National Statistics:
	
		
			  Peat extraction (thousand cubic metres) 
		
		
			 1997 1,619 
			 1998 1,076 
			 1999 1,653 
			 2000 1,626 
			 2001 1,814 
			 2002 973 
			 2003 2,008 
		
	
	There is currently planning consent for extraction from 3,990.6 ha of raised peat bog in England, of which 72 ha is lapsed. The existence of planning consent does not mean that all or part of the area is necessarily cut. For example, a recent agreement with Scotts Company (UK) Ltd. in 2001 has meant that 1,886 ha of peatland has come out of peat extraction, although planning consent still remains on part of it.

Pollution Indicators (Castle Point)

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the key pollution indicators are within Castle Point constituency; and what the monitoring systems are for these indicators.

Elliot Morley: For water quality, the General Quality Assessment scheme (GQA) is the Environment Agency's (EA's) national method for classifying rivers and canals. The scheme provides a way of comparing water quality from one river to another and for looking at changes through time. The EA assesses water quality in four separate ways; chemistry (based on water samples), biology, nutrients and aesthetics. Water samples are collected from about 8,000 monitoring sites monthly. These represent over 40,000 kilometres of rivers and canals. To each sampling site, the Agency assigns a stretch of river that the site characterises. In the Castle Point constituency there are 2 km of monitored river; the Prittle Brook watercourse.
	In terms of emissions of air pollutants with reference to sources in a local neighbourhood, the Environment Agency has developed a reporting system for industrial facilities that it regulates, whereby they report emissions of key chemical compounds from their facility to air, water or sewer. Within the Castle Point Constituency, two sites currently report to the Environment Agency's Pollution Inventory; Benfleet Sewage treatment works owned by Anglian Water and Oikos Storage Ltd.'s hazardous waste treatment facility at Hold Haven Wharf, Haven Road, Canvey Island. The specific details of emissions from these sites and more detailed water quality information can be downloaded from the EA's website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk
	In terms of air quality, Defra monitors air pollution at two locations in the Castle Point Constituency. There is automatic continuous monitoring of ozone, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter (PM10), sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide at Chalkwell Park, Westcliffe-on-Sea and at London Road, Grays. These sites are included in the national Automatic and Rural Network (AURN) of air quality monitors and hourly information on concentrations of these pollutants is published on Defra's air quality website at www.airquality.co.uk. Local authorities in the constituency carry out additional assessment of air quality as part of their responsibilities under Local Air Quality Management.

REACH

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what the latest estimate is of the cost of REACH to industry in (a) its phasing-in period and (b) the first 30 years;
	(2)  what further impact assessment is being carried out on the REACH proposals; and when this will be published.

Alun Michael: The information is as follows:
	(a) The UK partial Regulatory Impact Assessment primarily reflects the direct costs to industry of REACH which are estimated at 515 million over the 11 year phase in period. This is equivalent to total direct costs across the EU of approximately 2.4 billion. This is in line with European Commission estimates published in October 2003 of a maximum overall cost of the revised proposal to be 7.5 billion.
	This is clearly an important issue and one we will continue to develop as the proposal develops through the negotiation process. We have recently let a contract to carry out further impact assessment work to assess the indirect costs passed down the supply chain. The results of this will be published January 2005.
	The European Commission has also indicted that it will perform further impact assessment work on three key areas: the withdrawal of substances, the impact on Accession States and the impacts on innovation. We welcome the Commission's further work. The results are expected to be published in December 2004.
	(b) The costs to industry following the phase in period will depend upon the number of new substances developed and registered. REACH is fully expected to have a positive impact on this by reducing the testing requirements for new substances, providing exemptions for research and development, raising the threshold for regulation from 10kg to 1 tonne and by simulating innovation into safer alternatives. Although the exact cost of registering a substance is still to be established, the current cost of notifying a new substance between 110 tonnes would be in the region of 100,000. Under the testing proposal put forward by the European Commission, these costs could be reduced to around 30,000.

Refrigerator Recycling

Richard Ottaway: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to her answer of 5 July 2004, Official Report, column 443W, on refrigerator recycling, why the deadline for the publication of the Environment Agency's report auditing the refrigerator recycling scheme has been missed; and when she expects the report to be published.

Elliot Morley: The Environment Agency expects to publish the report shortly. An early draft of the report has been shared with the operators of the facilities concerned and meetings with these operators took place in August. A final draft of the audit report has been prepared and is being checked to ensure, amongst other things, that it will not compromise any further enforcement action that the Agency may wish to take.

Renewable-sourced Electricity

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion of electricity used by buildings in her Department and its agencies came from renewable sources in each year from 1997.

Alun Michael: The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs was created on 8 June 2001.
	The proportion of electricity used in buildings for which Defra and its agencies has a contractual responsibility that came from renewable sources was:
	
		
			  Percentage 
		
		
			 200102 19 
			 200203 40 
			 200304 57

River Thames (Radioactive Discharges)

Michael Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discharges of radioactivity to the river Thames and its tributaries are permitted.

Elliot Morley: Discharges of radioactivity to the river Thames and its tributaries are authorised under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993 by the Environment Agency from four licensed nuclear sites and 260 other non nuclear sites, such as hospitals, medical and veterinary establishments, universities and general industry. Discharges are made via effluent treatment plant or via sewage treatment works. The sites which are authorised and the levels of radioactive discharges are included in the Environment Agency's Pollution Inventory, which can be found on its web site, www.environmentagency.gov.uk.

RSPCA

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what extra powers, duties and responsibilities will be available to the RSPCA as a result of her agreement that they should become approved prosecutors under section 1(3)(e) of the Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 2000.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 13 September 2004
	The RSPCA's written agreement with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, which allows them to perform the functions of an 'approved prosecutor', under Section 1 (3) (e) of the Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 2000, took effect from 1 September 2004 and applies in England only. The Amendment Act supplements the Protection of Animals Act 1911, by allowing a magistrates court to make an order relating to the temporary care or for the disposal, sale or slaughter of animals kept for commercial purposes, that are the subject of a prosecution brought under the 1911 Act by a 'prosecutor'.
	The RSPCA is the first body to enter into a written agreement with Defra. The agreement only allows the RSPCA to intervene in cases in which they are already prosecuting under the Protection of Animals Act 1911. The court will only be able to grant an order if it appears necessary for the welfare of the animals, taking account of the evidence of a veterinary surgeon. Once the RSPCA has obtained a court order, they then have the power to enter premises to mark the animals concerned and to carry out the order.
	The written agreement requires the RSPCA to issue guidance and provide proper training to ensure that the appropriate level of expertise is achieved and maintained by the staff operating under the agreement. The State Veterinary Service and local authorities will perform a full 'audit' function for every case in which the RSPCA makes an application to the courts for an order under the 2000 Act.

Sea Bass

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will place in the Library a copy of the European Commission's response to her submission to close the winter bass fishery in the English Channel and Western Approaches.

Ben Bradshaw: A copy of the European Commission's response to the UK request for closure of the offshore pair trawl fishery for bass will be placed in the Library along with a copy of the UK request.

Sea Bass

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make it her Department's catering policy to source sea bass from hand line fisheries; and if she will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: Defra and its catering service providers are working together to increase the consumption of food that has been produced in ways that help sustain productivity and reduce adverse impacts on the environment.
	Defra supports the sourcing of sea bass from responsibly managed fisheries. Handlining is a relatively low impact method of fishing and so can help fisheries to remain sustainable. Advice from the international Council for the Exploration of the Seas on sea bass has been that the level of exploitation of the stock appeared to be sustainable. New advice is due shortly which we will be considering carefully with a view to ensuring that the stock remains sustainably exploited. There are also currently no restrictions at a UK or Community level on the method of fishing that can be used to target bass.
	In these circumstances I consider it would be inappropriate to encourage Defra's caterers to restrict the source of bass they purchase to hand line fisheries only.

Sea Bass

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she proposes to take to persuade the European Commission of the need to close the sea bass fishery in order to reduce the by-catch of dolphins and other cetaceans.

Ben Bradshaw: It is disappointing that the Commission did not accept the UK request for the closure of the offshore pair trawl fishery for bass to protect common dolphins. However, the Commission response to the UK request points to some ways in which progress might be made. We will be looking to build on this and the Commission's commitment to cooperate with the UK and other member states to find an effective solution to this bycatch problem.

Shellfishing

John Whittingdale: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures she is taking to prevent the theft of clams from Poole harbour.

Ben Bradshaw: The theft of clams from Poole Harbour is a matter for the Southern Sea Fisheries Committee to consider. Under the Poole Fishery Order 1985 (SI 1985 No.847) the Committee is responsible for imposing and enforcing licensing and other restrictions on the fishing or taking of clams in a large area of Poole Harbour. The Committee is also responsible for regulating fisheries elsewhere in the Harbour under other legislation.

Shellfishing

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what measures her Department is undertaking to assess (a) historical shellfish landings as the basis of any management plan and (b) current shellfish landings;
	(2)  if she will implement a management plan for scallops, crabs and lobsters in the Western Channel.

Ben Bradshaw: Data on shellfish landings by UK vessels and into UK ports are collected annually and published in the United Kingdom Fisheries Statistics series. They are not collected specifically for the purpose of agreeing management plans.
	The European Commission indicated in October 2003 that it would bring forward proposals for a management plan for scallops, lobsters and crabs in the Channel. It has not yet done so and we are not aware that such proposals are imminent.

Sows (Birthing Methods)

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of sows were recorded as giving birth in crates in each of the last 10 years.

Ben Bradshaw: This information is not available. The vast majority of indoor pig unitswhich represent about 73 per cent. of the breeding herd in Englanduse farrowing crates. While the Government would prefer to avoid the close-confinement of all sows, there are currently no free-farrowing systems suitable for widespread commercial adoption. Farrowing crates protect piglets from being crushed by the sowthe largest cause of piglet mortality. Defra-funded research has yet to find a solution which provides adequate protection to piglets. The results of our continued research will be fed into the 2008 review of the European pig welfare directive.

Spending Review

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what efficiency savings will be made by her Department in each financial year as announced in the Spending Review, broken down by departmental head.

Alun Michael: The overall efficiency savings to be delivered by Defra are set out as follows.
	
		Cumulative efficiencies --  million
		
			  200506 200607 200708 
		
		
			 Defra 91 198 310 
			 Waste services 25 120 299 
		
	
	Defra is required to deliver 610 million in annual efficiencies by 200708, which includes 300 million of efficiencies that Defra will be expected to secure within local government expenditure on waste services.
	Plans are now being put in place to ensure that the Department, its agencies and NDPBs are able to deliver on the 2004 Spending Review commitments and to attribute savings by departmental head. These will address the cross-cutting and corporate nature of some of the efficiency delivering programmes.

Town Centre Regeneration

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment has been made of the impact of regeneration of town centres on the environment.

Keith Hill: I have been asked to reply.
	There has been no overall assessment of the impact of the regeneration of town centres on the environment. However, there are statutory procedures which ensure that the impact on the environment of regeneration schemes in individual towns is assessed.
	Under the provisions of Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, Sustainability Appraisal is mandatory for Regional Spatial Strategies and, at the local level, Development Plan Documents and Supplementary Planning Documents. The Sustainability Appraisal undertaken must also satisfy the requirements of the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive (2001/42/EC). Sustainability appraisal is an iterative process that identifies and reports on the likely significant effects of the plan and the extent to which implementation of the plan will achieve the social, environmental and economic objectives by which sustainable development can be defined.
	Certain categories of development, including urban development projects 1 , must be the subject of an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA). EIA involves a systematic assessment of a project's likely environmental effects.
	Thus the environmental impact of major projects and development plan proposals for town centre regeneration, are subject to careful assessment.
	1 Circular 2/99 Environment Impact Assessment provides guidance on the regulations that implement Directive 85/337/EEC, as amended by Directive 97/11/EC

Waste Management/Services

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether her Department has assessed the use of technology for weight-based charging for waste collection and disposal in the Isle of Man; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The Department has not to date assessed the Isle of Man's use of technology for weight-based charging for waste collection. So far, our assessments have focused on other international experience, but we will continue to explore new evidence as it becomes available.

Waste Management/Services

Richard Ottaway: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how she proposes to implement 300 million of efficiency gains on waste services as set out in the Gershon Review.

Elliot Morley: By 200708, Defra will help local authorities to deliver around 300 million worth of efficiency gains on waste and street cleansing services. Building on the Waste Implementation Programme, which has been set up to ensure much improved support is provided to local authorities in implementing waste strategy on the ground, the main features of Defra's approach are to: provide best practice procurement advice, standard contracting approaches and targeted support to help local waste managers achieve effective contracts; support the use of new waste technologies, improve data for investment planning and further develop end-markets to encourage industry in providing an appropriate range of waste handling facilities without involving excessive costs; encourage tiers of local authorities and adjacent authorities to work together to increase efficiency and realise economies of scale; improve the planning process for waste facilities, which can be a cause of delay and extra cost; and, promote better awareness of waste amongst householders, since participation rates can be a determinant of local authority costs.
	In taking forward this programme of key actions, Defra will continue to work closely with the Local Government Association and other Government departments, including the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Western Waters (EU Regulation)

John Whittingdale: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  if she will make a statement on the status of Council Regulation (EC) No 1954/2003 Western Waters;
	(2)  what access will be available to Spanish boats to fish for crab stocks in the Western Waters;
	(3)  what measures she is taking to improve monitoring of UK fisheries to prevent incursion from foreign fishing boats in the Western Waters.

Ben Bradshaw: Council Regulation (EC) No 1954/2003 establishes an effort management regime for EU vessels over 15 metres overall length fishing for demersal species, scallops and edible and spider crabs in ICES Divisions V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X and certain parts of the waters controlled by the Fisheries Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic (CECAF) waters and for vessels over 10 metres overall length fishing for these species in the biologically sensitive area in that part of Area VII off the south and west coast of Ireland. The Regulation prohibits directed fishing for these species in Western Waters without a permit and provides for the setting of annual fishing effort allocations for each member state for each area and fishery described above. Those effort allocations are contained in Annex I of Council Regulation 1415/2004. This provides effort allocations for Spain for crabs in ICES Areas VIM, IX and CECAF but not in ICES Areas V, VI, VII or X. Member states are responsible for ensuring that the total effort of vessels flying their flag does not exceed the limits set down in Council Regulation 1415/2004. British Sea Fishery Officers, when boarding foreign fishing vessels in Western Waters, will carry out checks to ensure that the vessels have the necessary permits and are properly recording in their logbooks the time spent in each Western Waters area.

Woodland Grant Scheme

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the reasons are for the deferral of the start of the woodland creation grants scheme until 200607.

Ben Bradshaw: The Forestry Commission announced in March 2003 that as a result of ongoing reviews, the need to properly consult on their proposals and to gain the necessary EU clearance the new grant scheme, which includes woodland creation grants, would not be introduced before 2005.
	Subject to EU approval of the new English Woodland Grant Scheme it is expected that applications for grant woodland creation grants will be accepted by the Forestry Commission from mid 2005. This will be in time for planting to take place in the 2005/06 planting season, with grant payments being made from April 2006.

HEALTH

Abortions

David Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines are issued to doctors about informing the parents of girls who are 16 years or under who wish to have an abortion; and if he will make a statement.

Melanie Johnson: holding answer 14 September 2004
	Guidance for health professionals on this issue is provided by the Department in Best practice guidance for doctors and other health professionals on the provision of advice and treatment to young people under 16 on contraception, sexual and reproductive health (updated July 2004), available from the Department's website at www.dh.gov.uk . A copy of the guidance has been placed in the Library.

Air Ambulances

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received regarding the funding of Essex Air Ambulance.

Rosie Winterton: Ministers received one letter from the hon. Member for North-East Hertfordshire (Mr. Heald) in September 2004, one letter from my hon. Friend the Member for Basildon (Angela Smith) in September 2004, one letter from the hon. Member for Southend, West (Mr. Amess) in August 2004 and one letter from the hon. Member for Billericay (Mr. Baron) in September 2002, all regarding the funding of Essex Air Ambulance.

Air Ambulances

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice he has given regarding the funding of air ambulances; and if he will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: Previous research in the early 1990s did not demonstrate that the benefits of helicopter ambulances in terms of outcomes for patients were sufficient to justify investment in these services by the national health service. The Department has since commissioned primary research to examine the role and effectiveness of air ambulance services in the modern NHS. The conclusions from the first stage can be found at www.shef.ac.uk/scharr/mcru/reports/HEASrev.pdf. In light of the findings, the Department is currently considering further research.
	The Department has advised that the NHS should meet the cost of clinical staff on air ambulances.

Arm's Length Bodies

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the planned timetable is for the abolition of arm's length bodies, with particular reference to the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health.

Rosie Winterton: Further details about the timetable for implementation of all the recommendations in Reconfiguring the Department of Health's Arms Length Bodies will be published later in the year.

Breast Cancer

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many operations for breast cancer were carried out by the NHS in each of the last five years.

Melanie Johnson: The information requested is shown in the following table. Figures are given to include and exclude chemotherapy.
	
		Count of finished consultant episodes with an operation and primary diagnosis malignant neoplasm of breast (ICD10-C50) including and excluding chemotherapy (OPCS: X352) national health service hospitals, England 199899 to 200203
		
			  Chemotherapy (X352) included Chemotherapy (X352) excluded 
		
		
			 19981999 87,141 37,687 
			 19992000 95,237 45,036 
			 20002001 100,150 50,718 
			 20012002 97,139 50,471 
			 20022003 95,898 50,768 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. A finished admission episode is the first period of inpatient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider. Please note that admissions do not represent the number of inpatients.
	2. The primary diagnosis is the first of up to 14 (seven prior to 20023) diagnosis fields in the hospital episode statistics (HES) data set and provides the main reason why the patient was in hospital.
	3. Figures are grossed for both coverage and missing/invalid clinical data, except for 200203, which are not yet adjusted for shortfalls.
	Source:
	Hospital Episodes (HES), Department of Health.

Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to reduce the numbers of patients waiting for more than nine months for treatment at the Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust.

Rosie Winterton: The local national health service is working to make full use of both NHS and independent sector capacity to ensure that no patients are waiting longer than nine months for inpatient treatment at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust.
	Surrey and Sussex Strategic Health Authority expects that, from the end of September all patients will be offered treatment dates within the nine month maximum waiting time target. However, for personal reasons, some patients may opt for a later treatment date which may result in a waiting time of over nine months.

Cancer

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how much the NHS spent on cancer treatment in each year from 2000; and what its planned level of expenditure for 2005 is;
	(2)  what the average level of expenditure for each patient diagnosed as suffering from cancer was in the last year for which figures are available.

Melanie Johnson: Figures on the amount of money spent on an individual disease are not collectedcentrally. It is very difficult to track spending on a particular programme such as cancer, as patients undergo a number of different diagnostic and treatment episodes during their illness.
	However, Securing our Future Health: Taking a Long Term View published in April 2002 detailed that the National Health Service spends around 2.5 billion a year on cancer services.
	The national cancer director published a report in May 2003, detailing that, of the funding committed to the NHS cancer plan, an additional 199 million was spent in 200102 and 406 million was spent in 200203. We will shortly be repeating this tracking investment exercise to check whether spending on cancer services in 200304 reached the additional 570 million committed to in the NHS cancer plan.
	Funding for cancer services in 2005 will be included in baseline money sent to primary care trusts (PCTs). It is for PCTs to decide how to spend that money, based on local circumstances and priorities. From next year, PCTs and strategic health authorities will report within their annual accounts the totality of their expenditure on a programme basis each year. This will include cancer as one of the categories of spend.

Cancer

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the NHS spent on research into environmental and occupational exposures in relation to cancer in each of the last three years.

Melanie Johnson: The information requested is not available. However, the National Health Service reported spending 104 million in 200102 and 103 million in 200203 on research relating to cancer from research and development support funding allocations. 200304 returns are currently being processed.

Cancer

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the NHS, working through its National Cancer Research Institute, has set up a strategic planning group to investigate research into exogenous causes of cancer.

Melanie Johnson: The National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) is a partnership of the major funders of cancer research including Government, the voluntary sector and industry, together with patient representatives. Its purpose is to ensure a national strategic approach on cancer research. The NCRI has undertaken a strategic analysis of cancer research in the United Kingdom and has established strategic planning groups in areas where there appears to be under-investment. One such area is prevention and risk. This encompasses interventions to prevent cancer caused by known exogenous factors. This group is due to report soon.

Cancer

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many research programmes the NHS is undertaking into the exogenous causes of cancer.

Melanie Johnson: The main agency through which the Government supports medical and clinical research is the Medical Research Council (MRC). The MRC is an independent body funded by the Department of Trade and Industry and works closely with the Health Departments, other Government agencies, the National Health Service and industry.
	The majority of funds for research and development in the NHS are allocated to and managed by, NHS organisations. Details of individual projects, including many concerned with the exogenous causes of cancer, can be found on the National Research Register website at www.dh.gov.uk/research.

Care Homes

Adrian Flook: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many (a) care homes and (b) care home places were available in Somerset in each of the last six years run by (i) Somerset county council, (ii) Somerset Care and (iii) the voluntary, independent and private sector in Somerset.

Rosie Winterton: The table shows the number of care homes and places run by the council and the voluntary and private sector in Somerset as at 31 March for the years 19982001.
	
		Rounded data
		
			  Residential(30) 
			 At 31 March Council staffed Independent sector Nursing(31) Total(33) 
		
		
			 Number of homes(32) 
			 1998 40 160 85 285 
			 1999 20 330 90 435 
			 2000 25 315 85 425 
			 2001 25 320 80 425 
			 Number of places 
			 1998 350 3,345 2,825 6,525 
			 1999 165 3,870 2,870 6,905 
			 2000 190 3,910 2,825 6,925 
			 2001 195 3,910 2,580 6,680 
		
	
	(30) Figures for residential care are for Somerset Council with social services responsibilities and for nursing care are for Somerset Health Authority.
	(31) Includes places in general nursing homes, mental nursing homes and private hospitals and clinics.
	(32) Dual registered homes are included under nursing homes.
	(33) Figures may not add up due to rounding.
	I understand from the chair of the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) that figures for later years were collected by the National Care Standards Commission, and now CSCI, but comparable details are not available.

Care Homes

Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many beds are available for the elderly in care homes in (a) Greater London and (b) each London borough; and how many were available on average in each year since 1997.

Stephen Ladyman: Table 1 shows the number of nursing care places available for people aged 65 and over in London and by health authority.
	Table 2 shows the number of residential care places available for people aged 65 and over in Greater London and by councils with social services responsibilities.
	
		Table 1: Nursing care places(34) for people aged 65 and over in London at 31 March, 1998 to 2001
		
			 Rounded numbers 
			  Older people2,3 
			 Health Authority 1998 1999 2000 2001 
		
		
			 London 9,925 11,370 10,510 11,440 
			 Hillingdon 285 370 320 425 
			 Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster 110 125 125 70 
			 Enfield and Haringey 0 890 735 820 
			 Redbridge and Waltham Forest 670 635 535 615 
			 Barking and Havering 720 855 910 895 
			 Barnet 720 810 820 810 
			 Brent and Harrow 915 1,120 1,100 1,150 
			 Camden and Islington 295 305 380 355 
			 Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow 755 685 1,030 1,245 
			 East London and The City 520 635 580 560 
			 Bexley and Greenwich 880 790 910 745 
			 Bromley 800 590 560 560 
			 Croydon 1,040 1,185 n/a 915 
			 Kingston and Richmond 860 825 810 765 
			 Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham 1,350 1,555 1,690 1,515 
			 Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth 0 0 0 0 
		
	
	n/a Data not available.
	(34) Includes independent general nursing homes, mental nursing homes, private hospitals and clinics.
	(35) Aged 65 or over.
	(36) Information is not available by age band at Health Authority level for 1997.
	Source:
	RH(N)A
	
		Table 2: Residential(37) care places for people aged 65 and over in London at 31 March, 1997 to 2001
		
			 Rounded numbers 
			 Councils with social Older people(38) 
			 services responsibilities 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 
		
		
			 London 18,875 18,110 18,710 18,540 17,510 
			 Camden 595 595 580 515 450 
			 City of London 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Greenwich 525 545 205 450 405 
			 Hackney 300 270 210 320 325 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 290 280 n/a 185 150 
			 Islington 380 375 360 265 200 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 460 330 305 335 265 
			 Lambeth 765 595 530 530 510 
			 Lewisham 725 685 650 580 625 
			 Southwark 330 295 375 375 325 
			 Tower Hamlets 400 350 510 405 310 
			 Wandsworth 735 640 640 655 600 
			 Westminster 260 260 245 255 265 
			 Barking and Dagenham 535 555 555 480 485 
			 Barnet 1,655 1,330 2,030 1,910 1,830 
			 Bexley 390 645 485 360 400 
			 Brent 475 155 450 380 425 
			 Bromley 860 815 855 1,010 1,005 
			 Croydon 830 1,130 970 930 805 
			 Ealing 925 880 845 680 635 
			 Enfield 690 800 825 765 780 
			 Haringey 595 255 555 570 570 
			 Harrow 655 660 550 615 570 
			 Havering 975 875 895 880 820 
			 Hlllingdon 565 540 510 640 640 
			 Hounslow 370 365 360 360 365 
			 Kingston-upon-Thames 135 510 510 500 400 
			 Merlon 480 430 490 440 450 
			 Newham 290 315 290 360 275 
			 Redbridge 825 790 810 965 825 
			 Richmond-upon-Thames 645 650 650 680 675 
			 Sutton 510 510 490 445 440 
			 Waltham Forest 690 685 690 710 690 
		
	
	n/a Data not available.
	(37) Includes places in residential LA staffed, independent and dual registered homes.
	(38) Aged 65 or over
	Source:
	RA
	I understand from the chair of the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) that figures for later years were collected by the National Care Standards Commission, and now CSCI, but comparable details are not available.

Care Homes

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on care home funding in the London borough of Havering.

Stephen Ladyman: Neither councils nor strategic health authorities are allocated funding to be spent on care homes in particular. It is for councils and strategic health authorities to decide in the light of local circumstances and priorities how much of the general funding that they receive should be spent on care homes.

CHCs

Mark Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the total floor space being rented by community health councils.

Rosie Winterton: This information is not held centrally.

CHCs

Mark Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many community health councils there were in each year since 1997.

Rosie Winterton: Between 1997 and November 2003 there were 184 community health councils (CHCs). Three CHCs (Bassetlaw, Southern Derbyshire and Hounslow) were closed in November 2003. CHCs were abolished on 1 December 2003 and all CHC offices were closed on that date.

Cleaner Hospitals

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which of the initiatives set out in Towards cleaner hospitals and lower rates of infection: A summary of action and his departmental press release 2004/0259 had previously been announced; and when.

Melanie Johnson: Towards cleaner hospitals and lower infection rates presented an update of action by the Department on the issues of hospital cleanliness and infection control. The report set out the most up to date progress on several initiatives which were already in the public domain, including a number which had been included in Winning Ways, published in December 2003. The report also included several new initiatives, such as the target for reducing rates of MRSA infections, publication of surveillance by trusts, a science summit, the matron's charter and a new model cleaning contract.

Clinical Staff (York)

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many (a) doctors, (b) nurses and (c) other clinical staff have been employed by (i) York District Hospital, (ii) all hospitals in York and (iii) hospitals and the community in York in each year since 1997.

Melanie Johnson: The information requested is shown in the tables.
	
		Hospital, public health medicine and community health services (HCHS) doctors(39) and general medical practitioners(excluding retainers)(40) for North and East Yorkshire Strategic Health Authority (SHA) and specified organisations -- Numbers (headcount)
		
			  1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 
		
		
			 North and East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire SHA   
			 All doctors 2,348 2,414 2,543 2,555 2,659 2,761 2,999 
			 Of which:
			 HCHS doctors 1,349 1,423 1,532 1,534 1,620 1,696 1,884 
			 General medical practitioners 999 991 1,011 1,021 1,039 1,065 1,115 
			 
			 Selby Primary Care Group (PCG)   
			 All doctors n/a n/a 44 44 n/a n/a n/a 
			 Of which:
			 HCHS doctors n/a n/a 0 0 n/a n/a n/a 
			 General medical practitioners n/a n/a 44 44 n/a n/a n/a 
			 
			 York PCG   
			 All doctors n/a n/a 134 138 n/a n/a n/a 
			 Of which:
			 HCHS doctors n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 
			 General medical practitioners n/a n/a 134 138 n/a n/a n/a 
			 
			 Selby and York PCT   
			 All doctors n/a n/a n/a n/a 192 226 236 
			 Of which:
			 HCHS doctors n/a n/a n/a n/a 10 29 31 
			 General medical practitioners n/a n/a n/a n/a 182 197 205 
			 
			 York Hospitals National Health Service Trust   
			 All doctors 271 286 292 293 285 248 301 
			 Of which:
			 HCHS doctors 271 286 292 293 285 248 301 
			 General medical practitioners n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 
		
	
	n/a = Not applicable.
	(39) Excludes medical hospital practitioners and medical clinical assistants, most of whom are general practitioners working part-time in hospitals.
	(40) All practitioners (excluding retainers) include general medical service (GMS) unrestricted principals, personal medical services (PMS) contracted GPs, PMS salaried GPs, restricted principals, assistants, GP registrars, salaried doctors (Para 52 SFA), PMS other, flexible career scheme GPs and GP returners.
	Notes:
	GP retainers were first collected in 1999 and have been omitted for comparability purposes.
	All data as at 30 September, except GP data which is as of 1 October 199799.
	Sources:
	Department of Health general and personal medical services statistics.
	Department of Health medical and dental workforce census.
	
		NHS hospital and community health services: Professionally qualified clinical staff by main staff and practice staff and nurses employed by unrestricted principles and equivalents (UPEs)(41) for North and East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire SHA and specified organisation -- Numbers (headcount)
		
			  1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 
		
		
			 North and East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire SHA   
			 Nurses 9,347 9,170 8,865 9,139 9,654 10,292 10,598 
			 Of which:
			 Qualified nurses(42) 8,708 8,578 8,241 8,467 8,974 9,574 9,845 
			 Practice nurses employed by UPEs 639 592 624 672 680 718 753 
			 Qualified scientific, therapeutic and technical (STT) 2,453 2,528 2,527 2,502 2,588 3,013 3,310 
			 Qualified ambulance staff 448 369 591 530 523 557 625 
			 Practice staff(43) employed by UPEs (excluding practice nurses) 3,283 3,402 3,668 2,855 2,799 3,182 3,226 
			 
			 Selby PCG   
			 Nurses n/a n/a 14 23 n/a n/a n/a 
			 Of which:
			 Qualified nurses(42) n/a n/a 0 0 n/a n/a n/a 
			 Practice nurses employed by UPEs n/a n/a 14 23 n/a n/a n/a 
			 Qualified STT n/a n/a 0 0 n/a n/a n/a 
			 Practice staff(43) employed by UPEs (excluding practice nurses) n/a n/a 181 114 n/a n/a n/a 
			 
			 York PCG   
			 Nurses n/a n/a 44 72 n/a n/a n/a 
			 Of which:
			 Qualified nurses(42) n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 
			 Practice nurses employed by UPEs n/a n/a 44 72 n/a n/a n/a 
			 Qualified STT n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 
			 Practice staff(43) employed by UPEs (excluding practice nurses) n/a n/a 560 332 n/a n/a n/a 
			 
			 Selby and York Primary Care Trust (PCT)   
			 Nurses n/a n/a n/a n/a 490 758 807 
			 Of which:
			 Qualified nurses(42) n/a n/a n/a n/a 410 660 695 
			 Practice nurses employed by UPEs n/a n/a n/a n/a 80 98 112 
			 Qualified STT n/a n/a n/a n/a 188 214 252 
			 Practice staff(43) employed by UPEs (excluding practice nurses) n/a n/a n/a n/a 378 475 512 
			 
			 York Hospitals NHS Trust   
			 Nurses 1,928 1,573 1,658 1,837 1,523 1,188 1,191 
			 Of which:
			 Qualified nurses(42) 1,928 1,573 1,658 1,837 1,523 1,188 1,191 
			 Practice nurses employed by UPEs n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 
			 Qualified STT 506 540 557 589 413 427 469 
			 Practice staff(43) employed by UPEs (excluding practice nurses) n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 
		
	
	n/a = Not applicable
	1 UPEs include CMS unrestricted principals, PMS contracted GPs and PMS salaried GPs. Some non-clinical administrative and clerical staff may be included in the practice staff total as it is not possible to separate them.
	(41) Refers to qualified nursing staff in the hospital, public health and community health service sectors.
	(42) Practice staff includes practice nurses, direct patient care, admin, and clerical and other.
	Note:
	All data as at 30 September, except GP data as at 1 October 199799.
	Sources:
	Department of Health general and personal medical services statistics.
	Department of Health non-medical workforce census.

Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health

Ian Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was spent on setting up and servicing the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health.

Rosie Winterton: By the end of 200405, the total running and set up costs of the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health (CPPIH) to date will be 66.76 million. This includes all costs associated with patients' forums. It also includes CPPIH set up costs in 200203 of around 2.5 million.

Community Health Councils

Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the running costs of (a) community health councils in the last year of operation and (b) the replacement systems have been to date.

Rosie Winterton: In 200203, the last year of the operation of community health councils (CHCs), the total running costs for CHCs was 13,981 million. By the end of 200405, the total running and set up costs of the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health (CPPIH) will be 66.76 million. This figure includes all costs associated with patients' forums. It also includes CPPIH set up costs of around 2.5 million in 200203.

Consultant Episodes (York)

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many finished consultant episodes have been completed (a) in Yorkshire and the Humber and (b) at York District Hospital in each year since 1997.

Melanie Johnson: The information requested is shown in the table.
	
		Finished consultant episodes in Yorkshire and the Humber and York District Hospital since 1997
		
			  York Hospitals National Health Service Trust Yorkshire and the Humber strategic health authorities 
		
		
			 199798 60,170 1,040,020 
			 199899 64,776 1,269,803 
			 1 9992000 62,167 1,285,415 
			 200001 62,405 1,330,822 
			 200102 63,329 1,340,062 
			 200203 64,015 1,364,554 
		
	
	Source:
	Department of Health Hospital Episode Statistics (HES).

Delayed Discharges

Brian Cotter: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the delayed discharge figures are for (a) the Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Strategic Health Authority and (b) the Weston Primary Care Trust for each of the last five years, including (i) the number and proportion of patients of all ages occupying an acute hospital bed whose discharge was delayed, (ii) the number and proportion of patients aged 75 years and over occupying an acute hospital bed whose discharge was delayed, (iii) the main reasons for delay and the numbers and proportion of patients of all ages who are delayed for each of the reasons and (iv) the numbers and proportions of patients who have been delayed (A) one to eight days, (B) eight to 14 days, (C) 14 to 28 days and (D) over 28 days.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is shown in the tables. Information is provided from the year Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Strategic Health Authority and North Somerset Primary Care Trust were established.
	
		Delayed transfers in Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire SHA and North Somerset PCT
		
			   Patients occupying a General/Acute hospital bed Number of delayed transfers Delayed transfer rate (percentage) 
		
		
			 North Somerset PCT 
			 Q1 200203 513 33 6.4 
			 Q2 200203 503 12 2.4 
			 Q3 200203 369 15 4.1 
			 Q4 200203 460 23 5.0 
			 Q1 200304 477 2 0.4 
			 Q2 200304 436 9 2.1 
			 Q3 200304 456 2 0.4 
			 Q4 200304 506 3 0.6 
			 Q1 200405 511 4 0.8 
			 Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire SHA 
			 Q1 200203 2,570 284 11.1 
			 Q2 200203 3,317 286 8.6 
			 Q3 200203 4,118 253 6.1 
			 Q4 200203 4,784 225 4.7 
			 Q1 200304 4,674 155 3.3 
			 Q2 200304 4,608 402 8.7 
			 Q3 200304 4,658 139 3.0 
			 Q4 200304 4,413 71 1.6 
			 Q1 200405 4,303 113 2.6 
		
	
	Source:
	Local Delivery Plan Return.
	
		Delayed transfers in Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire SHA and North Somerset PCT
		
			   Patients over 75 occupying a General/Acute hospital bed Number of delayed transfers Delayed transfer rate (percentage) 
		
		
			 North Somerset PCT 
			 Q1 200203 220 18 8.2 
			 Q2 200203 314 5 1.6 
			 Q3 200203 167 14 8.4 
			 Q4 200203 218 3 1.4 
			 Q1 200304 213 2 0.9 
			 Q2 200304 200 5 2.5 
			 Q3 200304 218 1 0.5 
			 Q4 200304 236 1 0.4 
			 Q1 200405 207 2 1.0 
			  
			 Avon. Gloucestershire and Wiltshire SHA 
			 Q1 200203 1,395 156 11.2 
			 Q2 200203 1,576 215 13.6 
			 Q3 200203 1,744 155 8.9 
			 Q4 200203 2,146 128 6.0 
			 Q1 200304 1,966 115 5.8 
			 Q2 200304 2,108 106 5.0 
			 Q3 200304 2,025 105 5.2 
			 Q4 200304 2,208 49 2.2 
			 Q1 200405 1,995 69 3.5 
		
	
	Source:
	Local Delivery Plan Return.
	
		Delayed transfers in Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire SHA and North Somerset PCT by reason
		
			   Awaiting completion of assessment Awaiting public funding Awaiting further NHS care Awaiting residential/ nursing home placement Awaiting domiciliary package Patient/ Family exercising choice Other 
		
		
			 Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire SHA  
			 Q1 200203 32 17 20 64 19 16 7 
			 Q2 200203 16 32 21 91 28 35 14 
			 Q3 200203 36 11 35 76 24 19 20 
			 Q4 200203 18 21 39 91 33 7 17 
			 Q1 200304 6 18 31 55 21 13 10 
			 Q2 200304 36 141 35 86 37 39 26 
			  
			 North Somerset PCT   
			 Q1 200203 4 5 0 7 2 3 0 
			 Q2 200203 1 2 0 7 2 0 0 
			 Q3 200203 2 5 1 3 2 1 1 
			 Q4 200203 0 0 6 12 6 0 0 
			 Q1 200304 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 
			 Q2 200304 1 0 2 2 3 0 1 
		
	
	Note:
	The numbers of delayed transfers by reason and by length of day are as supplied to the Department of Health by Primary Care Trusts (PCTs). Not all PCTs could give a full breakdown of the total number of delays into reasons, and therefore the sum of the individual reasons may not tally with the overall number of delays. Data quality has improved over recent quarters.
	Source:
	Local Delivery Plan Return.
	
		Delayed transfers in Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire SHA and North Somerset PCT by length of delay
		
			   Total delayed 8 days Total delayed 814 days Total delayed 1428 days Total delayed 28+ days 
		
		
			 Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire SHA 
			 Q1 200203 66 32 40 62 
			 Q2 200203 66 36 44 91 
			 Q3 200203 62 40 39 68 
			 Q4 200203 91 32 37 65 
			 Q1 200304 60 31 30 34 
			 Q2 200304 109 63 77 153 
			   
			 North Somerset PCT 
			 Q1 200203 18 4 5 6 
			 Q2 200203 2 7 2 1 
			 Q3 200203 4 4 3 4 
			 Q4 200203 21 0 1 1 
			 Q1 200304 1 0 1 0 
			 Q2 200304 6 2 1 0 
		
	
	Note:
	The numbers of delayed transfers by reason and by length of day are as supplied to the Department of Health by Primary Care Trusts (PCTs). Not all PCTs could give a full breakdown of the total number of delays into reasons, and therefore the sum of the individual reasons may not tally with the overall number of delays. Data quality has improved over recent quarters.
	Source:
	Local Delivery Plan Return.

Dentistry

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his answer of 1 September 2004, Official Report, column 888W, ref.186199, on NHS Dentistry, 
	(1)  whether those people were advised of dentists that they could register with; and what percentage of callers were advised of dentists that they could register with within locally agreed standards;
	(2)  how many NHS dentists were accepting new NHS patients at the latest date for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  what assessment he has made of the local distance standards for each primary care trust for access to NHS dentistry;
	(4)  what the maximum distance is that patients in England are expected to travel to receive NHS dental care under locally agreed standards.

Rosie Winterton: In March 2004, 91 per cent. of callers to NHS Direct were referred to a dentist within locally agreed distance standards who was accepting patients for national health service treatment. Information is not held centrally on how many of the patients registered with the dentist to which they were referred. They may have been treated under provisions within the general dental service regulations for occasional treatments.
	The number of general dental service or personal dental service dental practices shown on the NHS.UK website as accepting new NHS patients on 8 September is shown in the table.
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 Registering children aged 0 to 18 years for NHS treatment 3,938 
			 Providing occasional NHS treatment to non-registered patients 1,572 
			 Registering charge exempt adults for NHS treatment 2,968 
			 Registering charge paying adults for NHS treatment 2,604 
		
	
	Primary care trusts' (PCTs) local distance standards were collected for the dental access performance indicator for 200304. They range from two miles to 35 miles in urban areas for routine and urgent calls. In rural areas, they range from two miles to 35 miles for routine calls and 2.5 miles to 50 miles for urgent calls. The majority of PCTs have set standards of 10 miles for routine calls and 15 miles for urgent calls. The maximum distance that patients in PCTs in England are expected to travel to receive NHS dental care under locally agreed standards is 35 miles in urban areas and 50 miles in rural areas.
	In order to improve access to NHS dental treatment, we are delegating the commissioning of primary care dental services to PCTs as part of the most far-reaching reform of NHS dentistry since the inception of the service in 1948. The reform is backed by extra investment of 368 million.

Dentistry

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when his Department plans to update the Dental Workforce Review.

Rosie Winterton: We are taking a range of measures to increase workforce capacity including:
	increasing the dental workforce capacity by the equivalent of 1,000 additional dentists by October 2005;
	increasing the number of dental school places by 25 per cent., from October
	2005; supported by capital investment of up to 80 million over four years;
	expanding of the whole dental team (including a new school for the professions complementary to dentistry), which will free up time for dentists to take on more complex work;
	introducing personal dental services (PDS) and the new contractual arrangements (based on PDS) which will produce an environment in which dentists want to do more National Health Service work;
	devolving funding to PCTs from October 2005, with a 19 per cent., increase in funding over 200304an extra 250 million a year.

Dentistry

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list those European Economic Area countries where practical experience gained using mannequins rather than live patients can satisfy the requirement for mandatory practical instruction for trainee dentists.

Rosie Winterton: EEC Directive 78/687 requires member states to ensure that dentists complete at least a five year full-time course of theoretical and practical instruction, guaranteeing that they have acquired suitable clinical experience under appropriate supervision. It is the responsibility of each member state to ensure that the qualifications they award to dentists comply in every respect with applicable European Union standards which could not be attained without experience of treating live patients. We are not aware of any evidence that this obligation is failing to be met.

Dentistry

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost of training a dentist was in each of the last five years; how many dentists were trained in each year; what the total amount spent on training dentists was in each year; and how many of the dentists trained in each year now work for the NHS.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 14 September 2004
	The information available is shown in the table.
	
		
			  Dental graduates qualifying from dental schools in England Estimated cost of training a dentist  thousand Estimated expenditure on training dentists  million 
		
		
			 19981999 581 135 79 
			 19992000 585 139 81 
			 200001 618 143 84 
			 200102 591 146 87 
			 200203 549 150 90 
		
	
	A majority of new graduates go on to work as independent contractors with National Health Service contracts, but information on the extent of their commitment to the NHS is not held centrally. On 16 July my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced that we are to provide 170 additional training places for undergraduates in dentistry from October 2005. The increase will be supported by capital investment of 80 million over the next four years and additional revenue funds reaching 29 million by 201011.

Dentistry

Boris Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effect of the new Dentists NHS Contract on NHS dentistry provision in Oxfordshire.

Rosie Winterton: The base contract for local commissioning becomes operational on 1 October 2005 and I am advised that detailed planning is being undertaken in Oxfordshire, to ensure a smooth transition. The new contracting arrangements will improve the quality of patient care, improve access to national health service services and improve working conditions for dentists and their teams. This builds on the recognition that Oxfordshire has used all current flexibilities to improve services and is working proactively to increase access by supporting dentists who wish to move to local commissioning early under the personal dental services (PDS).
	The measures in the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 represent the most radical reform of NHS dentistry since 1948. The proposals for NHS dentistry will underpin a modernised, high-quality primary dental service provided through contracts between primary care trusts (PCTs) and dental practices. The service will be properly integrated with the rest of the NHS, providing better access to services and an improved patient experience.
	The new arrangements are modelled on five years successful experience of PDS pilots. The PDS continues to provide an opportunity for those dentists and their PCTs who wish to move further and faster towards local commissioning to do so. There are already more than 1,500 dentists in more than 750 practices working under PDS arrangements, out of a total of around 9,000 practices. The Department will support PCTs and volunteer dental practices to move early to local commissioning under existing piloting arrangements.

Dentistry

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many dentistry practices in England are accepting NHS patients; how many on average accepted NHS patients in 1994; and how many individual dentists this represents in each case.

Rosie Winterton: The number of general dental service or personal dental service dental practices, which appear on the NHS.UK website as accepting new national health service patients on 15 September 2004, is shown in the table.
	
		
			  
		
		
			 Registering children aged 018 years for NHS treatment 3,936 
			 Providing occasional NHS treatment to non-registered patients 1,561 
			 Registering charge exempt adults for NHS treatment 2,969 
			 Registering charge paying adults for NHS treatment 2,604 
		
	
	Information on the number of dentist practices accepting NHS patients is not available for 1994, as NHS Direct was not established, nor is information held centrally on the number of the dentists in the practices on the NHS website. The number of NHS dentists (general and personal dental services) dentists has increased from 15,813 at December 1994 to 19,278 at December 2003, an increase of 3,465.

Dentistry

Adrian Flook: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS dentists there were in Somerset in each of the last seven years.

Rosie Winterton: The number of general dental service (GDS) or personal dental service (PDS) dentists in the Somerset area by primary care trust (PCT) at June each year from 1997 to 2004 is given in the table.
	
		Number of dentists at June each year
		
			 PCT 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 
		
		
			 Bath and North East Somerset 84 85 90 92 93 98 98 100 
			 Mendip 38 43 42 49 48 45 51 54 
			 North Somerset 82 89 91 95 98 97 92 107 
			 Somerset Coast 40 42 41 48 45 50 46 50 
			 South Somerset 56 57 56 57 59 57 62 64 
			 Taunton Deane 47 47 45 45 59 61 69 68 
		
	
	Source:
	Dental Practice Board
	Dentists are counted in each PCT in which they practise.
	The figures are based on the number of dentists with an open GDS or PDS contract and include principals, assistants and trainees in the GDS. Dentists have been counted more than once if he/she works in more than one PCT.
	The figures provide a snapshot of the number of individual dentists with an open contract at 30 June each year. The total number of dentists in the Somerset PCTs has increased from 347 in June 1997 to 443 in June 2004.

Contraceptive Services

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the contents of the revised guidance for health professionals on the provision of contraceptive services for those under the age of 16.

Melanie Johnson: This revised guidance was published in July this year to clarify to health professionals that they owe under-16s the same duty of care and confidentiality as older patients, to further improve the uptake of advice by sexually active under 16s, given high teenage pregnancy rates and the associated risks of sexually transmitted infections. The legal framework and professional codes for health professionals remain unchanged.
	The new guidance sets out the principles of good practice for health professionals in considerably greater detail than the earlier (1986) guidance. These include providing the young person with the time and support to make an informed choice, including exploring whether the relationship is mutually agreed or whether there may be coercion or abuse, and always encouraging the young person to involve their parent, carer or another trusted adult.

Council of Ministers

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a Written Ministerial Statement outlining for each meeting of the Council of Ministers at which his Department is represented as soon as is practicable following that meeting (a) the key items of discussion, (b) the positions of the Government on those items, (c) the key positions taken by other member states that Ministers consider should be noted by honourable Members and (d) any preliminary discussion on the timing and the agenda of the following meeting.

John Hutton: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on Monday 13 September, Official Report, column 1451W.

Digital Hearing Aids

Derek Conway: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list (a) the present length of wait and (b) the number of patients waiting for digital hearing aids in each London hospital.

John Hutton: The information requested is not available centrally.

Digital Hearing Aids

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average waiting time for (a) initial audiology appointments for digital hearing aids and (b) fitting of digital hearing aids is in each primary care trust in England.

Stephen Ladyman: This information is not collected centrally. We have invested 94 million over two years which will be used to make digital hearing aids available across England by April 2005.

Digital Hearing Aids

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to speed up universal availability of digital hearing aids.

Stephen Ladyman: All audiology departments in England will routinely be fitting digital hearing aids by April 2005.
	The Department is investing a further 94 million in the financial years 200304 and 200405. This is additional to a total of 30.75 million invested since the modernising hearing aids services project began in September 2000.

Disabled People

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how much financial support has been allocated for the provision of disabled care for people in North Yorkshire in each year since 1997; and how much is projected for (a) 200405 and (b) 200506;
	(2)  what programmes the Government have in place to provide (a) care for disabled people and (b) support for the families and carers of disabled people;
	(3)  what action the Government have taken to ensure that the safety of disabled people is not jeopardised by the reduction in funding to disability charities.

Stephen Ladyman: The Government do not allocate particular amounts to councils to spend on the care of disabled people. It is for each council to decide how much of its general funding allocation to spend for this purpose. Councils do this in the light of local needs and priorities.
	The Government's financial support for social services will increase by an annual average of 6 per cent. in real terms between 200304 and 200506.

Disabled People

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what criteria were considered in deciding that the Wilf Ward Family Trust would receive less funding over the next three years.

Stephen Ladyman: This information is not available centrally. The Department does not provide funding directly to the Wilf Ward Family Trust.

Dying at Home

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what his policy is on the practice of allowing terminally ill cancer patients to choose to die at home;
	(2)  what resources he is making available to treat terminally ill cancer patients who wish to die at home;
	(3)  what improvements he is making to information available to (a) carers, (b) healthcare professionals and (c) patients about the process of allowing terminally ill cancer patients to choose to die at home.

Melanie Johnson: I refer the hon. Member to the Government's response to the Health Select Committee report on palliative care, copies of which are available in the Library.
	This response reiterates our wish to offer all adult patients nearing the end of life, regardless of their diagnosis, the same access to high quality palliative care so that they can choose if they wish to die at home.
	The End of Life Care Initiative commits the Department to invest 12 million over the next three years to train existing staff who already contribute to supportive and palliative care to provide end of life care and support to patients and carers. This investment will enable those approaching the end of life to be identified, their care needs assessed, enable information about the choices available provided to them and a jointly agreed care plan involving all relevant agencies to be put in place.

Dystonia

Mike Wood: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the levels of funding available for (a) researching, (b) treating and (c) raising awareness of dystonia in 200405.

Stephen Ladyman: The main agency through which the Government support medical and clinical research is the Medical Research Council (MRC). The MRC is an independent body funded by the Department of Trade and Industry via the Office of Science and Technology.
	The MRC does not normally allocate funds to particular topics. Research proposals in all areas compete for the funding available. When appropriate, high quality research in particularly areas of strategic importance may be given priority in competition for funds, but research excellence and importance to health continues to be the primary considerations in funding decisions.
	The MRC spent 1.4 million on research related to dystonia in 200102, the latest year for which figures are available.
	Over 75 per cent. of the Department's total expenditure on health research is devolved to and managed by national health service organisations. Details of individual projects, including a number concerned with dystonia, can be found on the national research register at www.dh.gov.uk/research.
	Through section 64 grants to the National Dystonia Society, the Department has funded a range of projects to help increase awareness and understanding of dystonia. In 200405, the society will receive 45,000 to support its independent living project.
	In terms of raising awareness among health professionals, the content and standard of postgraduate medical training for specialist medicine is the responsibility of the United Kingdom competent authority, the Specialist Training Authority (STA). The STA takes advice from the appropriate Royal College, who appreciate the requirements presented by different conditions and develop their training curricula as appropriate. Measures to increase doctors' knowledge of dystonia and movement disorders are therefore more appropriate for these bodies and the medical profession.

Eating Disorders

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many finished consultant episodes there were with a primary diagnosis of (a) anorexia and (b) bulimia, broken down by (i) age and (ii) gender in each year since 1997.

Rosie Winterton: Information on the number of finished consultant episodes in national health service hospitals of patients with a primary diagnosis anorexia and bulimia, broken down by age and gender in each year since 1997, has been placed in the Library.

Eating Disorders

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the review of eating disorders undertaken by the National Development Group for Specialised Services.

Rosie Winterton: The national development group for specialised mental health services is near to completing a review of all such services. It anticipates providing a report on its work late in 2004 or early in 2005.

European Health Card

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what proof of identity will be needed to apply for an European health card;
	(2)  what security measures will be put in place to verify identity on the European health card to replace the E111 form.

John Hutton: A United Kingdom-wide consultation on proposals for introducing the European health insurance card is currently under way. It is likely that the application process will require applicants to provide their UK address together with their National Insurance number or their national health service number, since these best ways available of demonstrating residence in the UK and therefore eligibility to receive NHS services. In all but exceptional circumstances, cards will only be issued to UK addresses.

National Service Framework for Older People

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  pursuant to his Answer of 1 July, Official Report, column 408W, on fall/osteoporosis services, when the Healthcare Commission's review of the delivery of the National Service Framework and older people's services will be published;
	(2)  when the findings of the Commission for Healthcare Improvement's consultation on the scope of the review of the National Service Framework for Older People will be made available.

Stephen Ladyman: I understand from the Chairman of the Healthcare Commission that the findings are available on its website at www.healthcarecommission.org.uk. The results of the initial consultation on the scope of the review were published in October 2003 and the detailed methodology was published in March 2004.
	The Healthcare Commission will be producing a national report on the implementation of the National Service Framework for Older People by December 2005. Local reviews will be running throughout 2005.

Forum Support Organisations

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether forum support organisations within the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health (CPPIH) will end in August 2005 prior to the winding up of the CPPIH.

Rosie Winterton: No decisions have been taken yet about whether to extend the forum support organisation contracts beyond August 2005, when they expire.

Forum Support Organisations

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many bone fractures resulting from falls were treated by the NHS in the last period for which figures are available; how many of those suffering from such fractures were known to have osteoporosis; how many were discovered to have osteoporosis in post-fracture screening; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Ladyman: Information on the number of bone fractures resulting from falls treated by the National Health Service for the last period for which figures are available is shown in the table. Information on how many of those suffering fractures were known to have osteoporosis and how many were discovered to have osteoporosis in post-fracture screening is not collected centrally.
	
		Primary diagnosisfracture (ICD 10 diagnosis codes S02, 812, S22, 832, 842, 552, 562, 872, 582, 892 and T02) with secondary diagnosis falls (ICD diagnosis codes WOO-W19)counts of finished consultant episodes (FCEs)
		
			  
		
		
			 National Health Service hospitalsEngland 161,670 
		
	
	Notes:
	Ungrossed datafigures have not been adjusted for shortfalls in data (i.e. the data are ungrossed).
	A FCE is defined as a period of admitted patient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider. Please note that the figures do not represent the number of patients, as a patient may have more than one episode of care within the year.
	Cause codethe cause code is a supplementary code that indicates the nature of any external cause of injury, poisoning or other adverse effects.
	Secondary diagnosesas well as the primary diagnosis, there are up to 13 (6 prior to 200203) secondary diagnosis fields in Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) that show other diagnoses relevant to the episode of care
	Source:
	HES, Department of Health

Fraud Costs

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate his Department has made of the cost of fraud to (a) his Department and (b) the executive agencies for which his Department in responsible in each of the last 10 years.

Rosie Winterton: The figures available are from 19992000 and are shown in the table.
	
		
		
			  Department Agencies 
		
		
			 19992000 3,055 0 
			 200001 0 0 
			 200102 150 0 
			 200203 38,307 0 
			 200304 29,082 6,100

Free Personal Care

Keith Bradley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the projected cost is of providing free personal care for all elderly people for (a) 200405 and (b) each of the following 10 years.

Stephen Ladyman: The Government have estimated that the cost of introducing free personal care for everyone in England would be some 1.5 billion at 200304 prices. None of this extra expenditure would increase choice or services available to older people. The Government have not made estimates for the next 10 years. On 8 September, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, published projections to 2051 of the future costs of long-term care for older people in the United Kingdom in the report: Future demand for long-term care in the UK: A summary of projections of long term care finance for older people.
	The report concluded that long-term care spending in the United Kingdom would need to increase by about 315 per cent., in real terms between 2000 and 2051, to meet demographic pressures and allow for real rises in care costs, if dependency rates, patterns of care and funding arrangements remained unchanged. In terms of personal care, the researchers estimated that if free personal care had been introduced across the whole of the UK in 2000, public spending on long-term care would have risen immediately from 8.8 billion to 10.3 billion, and projected public spending would reach 42.6 billion or more by 2051, compared with 35.4 billion if current funding arrangements were maintained.

General Practitioners

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many general practitioner practices in (a) England and (b) each strategic health authority have premises below a minimum standard; and what his Department defines as a minimum standard for practice premises.

John Hutton: The most recent figures available (200203) indicate that the number of general practitioner practice premises below minimum standards are as shown in the table. The figure of 700 represents only 6 to 7 per cent., of all primary care premises in England. The Government are supporting one of the largest and most sustained programmes of modernisation of primary care premises in the history of the national health service and this is likely to have a significant impact on these numbers.
	
		Practices with premises below a minimum standard by strategic health authority in England200203
		
			  Practices with premises below a minimum standard 
		
		
			 England 700 
			 Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire 4 
			 Bedford and Hertfordshire 25 
			 Essex 91 
			 North-west London 31 
			 North-central London 149 
			 North-east London 160 
			 South-east London 55 
			 South-west London 0 
			 Northumberland, Tyne and Wear 3 
			 County Durham and Tees Valley 6 
			 North and East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire 4 
			 West Yorkshire 4 
			 Cumbria and Lancashire 1 
			 Greater Manchester 18 
			 Cheshire and Merseyside 11 
			 Thames Valley 4 
			 Hampshire and Isle of Wight 3 
			 Kent and Medway 15 
			 Surrey and Sussex 26 
			 Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire 16 
			 South-west Peninsula 2 
			 Somerset and Dorset 2 
			 South Yorkshire 31 
			 Trent 11 
			 Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland 0 
			 Shropshire and Staffordshire 4 
			 Birmingham and the Black Country 24 
			 West Midlands South 0 
		
	
	The definition on which these figures are based was contained in paragraph 51 of the Statement of Fees and Allowances, a copy of which is available in the Library.

General Practitioners

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many single practitioner general practitioner surgeries there were in each of the last five years.

John Hutton: The table shows the number of single-handed general practitioner surgeries there were in each of the last five years.
	
		Single-handed partnerships of unrestricted principals and equivalents (UPEs)(43) 19972003
		
			 England  Numbers (headcount) 
			  UPEs Partnerships of UPEs Single-handed UPEs 
		
		
			 1999 27,591 8,944 2,631 
			 2000 27,704 8,878 2,575 
			 2001 27,843 8,817 2,534 
			 2002 28,031 8,748 2,482 
			 2003 28,568 8,757 2,504 
		
	
	(43) UPEs include general medical service unrestricted principals, personal medical service (PMS) contracted GPs and PMS salaried GPs.
	Data as at 1 October 199798 and 30 September 200003.
	Source:
	Department of Health general and personal medical services statistics.

GP Lists

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the 10 primary care trusts with the highest average general practitioner list sizes in England.

John Hutton: The table shows the 10 primary care trusts with the highest average national general practitioner list sizes in England.
	
		Primary care trusts (PCTs) with the highest average list size for unrestricted principals and equivalents (UPEs)(44)
		
			  Numbers (headcount) 
			  (UPEs) Patients of (UPEs) Average list size 
		
		
			 England 28,568 52,713,780 1,845 
			 5LC Westminster PCT 100 250,884 2,509 
			 5C2 Barking And Dagenham PCT 70 1 70,493 2,436 
			 5AK Southend On Sea PCT 73 177,522 2,432 
			 5C5 Newham PCT 126 305,285 2,423 
			 5LA Kensington And Chelsea PCT 82 195,743 2,387 
			 5MX Heart Of Birmingham Teaching PCT 132 314,844 2,385 
			 5JP Castle Point And Rochford PCT 73 173,946 2,383 
			 5EY Eastern Leicester PCT 78 185,819 2,382 
			 5MM Cannock Chase PCT 54 128,291 2,376 
			 5GQ Thurrock PCT 63 148,710 2,360 
		
	
	(44)UPEs include general medical service (QMS) unrestricted principals, personal medical service (PMS) contracted general practitioners and PMS salaried GPs.
	Patient data has been revised from previously published figures
	Source:
	Department of Health general and personal medical services statistics.

Health Bodies

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the (a) strategic health authorities, (b) primary care trusts and (c) NHS trusts which relate to each constituency, including their addresses.

John Hutton: This information can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Health Bodies

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list (a) the administration costs and (b) the total number of staff of (i) the Healthcare Commission, (ii) the Commission for Social Care Inspection, (iii) the Office of the Independent Regulator of Foundation Trusts and (iv) The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency for the latest year for which figures are available.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is shown in the following table.
	
		
			 Organisation Administration costs (million) Number of staff 
		
		
			 The Healthcare Commission 15.7 632 
			 The Commission for Social Care Inspection 147.2 2,622 
			 The Independent Regulator of National Health Service Foundation Trusts 16.0 45 
			 The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency 66.9 823 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. The administration costs shown are budget figures for 200405.
	2. Staff figures are whole-time equivalents as at 31 March 2004.

Health Services

Nigel Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if he will make a statement on the future of Battledown Ward at Cheltenham General Hospital;
	(2)  if he will make a statement on NHS acute children's services in Cheltenham.

Rosie Winterton: Cotswold and Vale Primary Care Trust is leading a period of public consultation on the future of maternity care and services for children across Gloucestershire.
	The responses to the consultation will be considered by the PCT and decisions on any changes to acute children's services in Cheltenham will not be taken until next year.
	All options will continue to see the delivery of children's services from both the Battledown ward at Cheltenham General Hospital and Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

Health Services

Nigel Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the proposals (a) to downgrade Battledown Children's Ward at Cheltenham General Hospital into a paediatric assessment unit and (b) for the removal of acute children's services to Gloucester.

Rosie Winterton: I have made no such assessment. Primary care trusts (PCTs) are responsible for commissioning appropriate levels of services for their communities. Cotswold and Vale PCT is leading a period of public consultation on the future of maternity care and services for children at home and in hospital across Gloucestershire.

Health Services

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS dental patients were registered in Torbay in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

Rosie Winterton: The number of registrations in the general dental service in the area covered by Torbay Primary Care Trust for the last five years is shown as follows. The table only shows the number of registrations for general dental services. Through the South West Peninsula Options for Change field site, dentists are increasingly opting for the new ways of working that personal dental services (PDS) allows. As of 1 September 2004, four practices in Torbay have accepted PDS contracts.
	
		
			 Year(45) Dental Registrations 
		
		
			 2000 73,374 
			 2001 73,288 
			 2002 76,915 
			 2003 71,631 
			 2004 57,865 
		
	
	(45) At 30 June each year.

Healthy Living Centres

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the (a) technical and financial contracts, (b) technical consultants used on a call-off basis and (c) financial consultants used on a call-off basis, with regard to Healthy Living centres, giving the (i) cost and (ii) start date of employment; and if he will make a statement.

Melanie Johnson: The Department has a contract with the Tavistock Institute for evaluating the Healthy Living Centre programme. The evaluation is worth 350,000 and was awarded after a competitive tendering exercise. The start date of the contract was May 2001 and it is due to complete in 2005.

Heart Bypass Surgery

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the survival rate for heart bypass surgery was in (a) England and (b) the London Borough of Havering in each of the last five years.

Melanie Johnson: Based upon data compiled for the national adult cardiac surgical database report 2003 by the Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland, the survival rate for isolated, first-time coronary surgery in England has increased from 97.8 per cent. in 199899 to 98.2 per cent. in 200203 (latest figures available). The data are collected from individual hospitals so the identification of survival rates for specific local authorities is not possible.

Heart Disease

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of the number of children suffering from heart disease;
	(2)  how many children were detected with early signs of heart disease in the last year for which figures are available;
	(3)  how many children are receiving treatment for heart disease.

Melanie Johnson: This data are not collected centrally. However, it is estimated that about eight out of every 1,000 babies born in the United Kingdom will have a congenital heart defect and that about half of these will have a minor defect needing little or no treatment. The Department is currently examining these issues in conjunction with experts, families of patients and other interested parties and will be publishing the conclusions next year.

Hospital Beds

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hospital beds there were in (a) Southend Hospital Trust and (b) Basildon Hospital Trust in each of the last five years.

Stephen Ladyman: The tables show the number of hospital beds for both Southend Hospital National Health Service Trust and Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital NHS Trust respectively for the period 199697 to 200203. Data for 200304 are not yet available.
	
		RAJSouthend Hospital NHS Trustaverage daily number of available beds, by sector, 199697 to 200203
		
			  All specialities (excluding day only) General and acute Acute Geriatric Mental illness Learning disability Maternity Day only 
		
		
			 199697 776 709 498 211 0 0 67 46 
			 199798 770 703 495 209 0 0 67 46 
			 199899 757 690 499 191 0 0 67 46 
			 19992000 754 687 495 192 0 0 67 44 
			 200001 728 683 507 176   45 39 
			 200102 728 684 492 191 0 0 44 79 
			 200203 713 669 494 175 0 0 44 63 
		
	
	Source:
	Department of Health form KH03
	
		RDDBasildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Trustaverage daily number of available beds, by sector, 199697 to 200203
		
			  All specialities (excluding day only) General and acute Acute Geriatric Mental illness Learning disability Maternity Day only 
		
		
			 199697 675 593 452 141 0 0 82 32 
			 199798 662 581 440 141 0 0 81 32 
			 199899 613 536 425 111 0 0 77 32 
			 19992000 614 542 425 118 0 0 72 42 
			 200001 627 556 434 122   71 42 
			 200102 647 571 424 147 0 0 76 52 
			 200203 627 576 438 138 0 0 51 42 
		
	
	Source:
	Department of Health form KH03

Hospital Infection Control

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Health to ask which (a) hospital orthopaedic directorates, (b) hospital infection control teams, (c) hospital chief executives and (d) hospital vascular directorates did not reply to the National Audit Office survey on infection control between July and September 2003; what the explanation was in each case for the failure to respond; what action he proposes to take in each case; and if he will publish the returns requested by the National Audit Office survey.

Melanie Johnson: Information on non-responders is shown in the table. The overall response rate for the survey was good and we understand the main reason for not completing the questionnaire was pressure of business. Non-responders will not be followed up as the aim of the survey was to produce a snapshot of the situation in 2003. The survey results were used in the National Audit Office report and there are no plans for a separate publication.
	
		NAO Hospital Acquired Infection follow-up survey
		
			 Trust Chief Executives Infection Control Teams Orthopaedic Directorates Vascular Directorates 
		
		
			 Airedale NHS Trust   *  
			 Ashford and St Peter's Hospital NHS Trust* 
			 Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust   *  
			 Bedford Hospital NHS Trust Sent but never received  *  
			 Burton Hospitals NHS Trust* 
			 Chelsea and Westminster Healthcare NHS Trust *
			 Co Durham and Darlington Acute Hosp NHS Trust *  * * 
			 Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Trust* 
			 East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust   * * 
			 East Cheshire NHS Trust   *  
			 East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust* 
			 East Somerset NHS Trust   * * 
			 George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust   * * 
			 Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital Trust *  * * 
			 Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals NHS Trust * * *  
			 Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust   *  
			 Homerton University Hospital NHS Trust   * * 
			 Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust   *  
			 James Paget Healthcare NHS Trust* 
			 Kings College Hospital NHS Trust   *  
			 Kingston Hospital NHS Trust   * * 
			 Luton and Dunstable Hospital NHS Trust   *  
			 Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust   *  
			 Medway NHS Trust   *  
			 Mid Staffordshire General Hospitals NHS Trust   * * 
			 North Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust* 
			 North Staffordshire Hospital NHS Trust   *  
			 North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust   *  
			 Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust   *  
			 Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust *  *  
			 Peterborough Hospitals NHS Trust   *  
			 Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust* 
			 Poole Hospital NHS Trust   *  
			 Robert Jones/Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust   *  
			 Rotherham General Hospitals NHS Trust   * * 
			 Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust* 
			 Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust   *  
			 Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases NHS Trust *
			 Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust   *  
			 Royal Shrewsbury Hospitals NHS Trust* 
			 Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Trust* 
			 Salford Royal Hospitals NHS Trust 
			 Salisbury Health Care NHS Trust   *  
			 Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Trust   * * 
			 South Devon Healthcare NHS Trust* 
			 South Manchester University Hospitals NHS Trust   *  
			 South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust   *  
			 South Tyneside Healthcare Trust *  *  
			 South Warwickshire General Hospitals NHS Trust   *  
			 Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust   * * 
			 Southern Derbyshire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust* 
			 Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust   * * 
			 St. George's Healthcare NHS Trust   * * 
			 St. Mary's NHS Trust   *  
			 Stockport NHS Trust   *  
			 Stoke Mandeville Hospital NHS Trust   *  
			 Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust* 
			 The Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust   * * 
			 The Hillingdon Hospital NHS Trust   * * 
			 The Lewisham Hospital NHS Trust* 
			 The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust* 
			 The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust   * * 
			 The Princess Royal Hospital NHS Trust* 
			 The Royal Liverpool Children's NHS Trust  *   
			 The Royal Marsden NHS Trust *
			 The Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust   * * 
			 Trafford Healthcare NHS Trust *  *  
			 United Bristol Healthcare NHS Trust* 
			 United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust* 
			 University College London Hospitals NHS Trust *  * * 
			 University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust* 
			 University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust   *  
			 Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust* 
			 Whipps Cross University Hospital NHS Trust  * * * 
			 Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust   *  
			 Wirral Hospital NHS Trust   *  
			 York Health Services NHS Trust   *  
		
	
	List of non-respondents = *

Hospital-acquired Infection

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many bed days were lost due to MRSA infection in each hospital trust in Sussex in the last year for which figures are available.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is not collected centrally.

In-vitro Fertilisation

Kevin Barron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what support his Department is providing to primary care trusts to ensure that a national minimum level of one full cycle of in-vitro fertilisation is in place for those eligible by April 2005;
	(2)  how his Department will monitor the implementation of his decision to ensure that a national minimum level of one full cycle of in-vitro fertilisation is in place for all those eligible by April 2005;
	(3)  what assessment his Department has made of potential blocks in the current commissioning and delivery of infertility services in the UK that could affect the ability of primary care trusts to provide a national minimum level of one full cycle of in vitro fertilisation for all those eligible by April 2005;
	(4)  if he will provide a timeframe for full implementation by primary care trusts of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence's clinical guideline on the assessment and treatment of people with fertility problems;
	(5)  what direction and assistance his Department will offer primary care trusts to ensure that the planned increase in national health service funding between 200304 and 200708 goes towards implementing in full the National Institute for Clinical Excellence's clinical guideline on the assessment and treatment of people with fertility problems;
	(6)  what role strategic health authorities will play in ensuring the implementation of his decision to ensure that a national minimum level of one full cycle of in-vitro fertilisation is in place for all those eligible by April 2005;
	(7)  whether the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (a) has and (b) will have a role, as part of its new implementation programme, in examining capacity to ascertain whether it is sufficient to implement in full the National Institute for Clinical Excellence's clinical guideline on the assessment and treatment of people with fertility problems;
	(8)  what the repercussions will be for those primary care trusts that fail to meet the target of ensuring that a national minimum level of one full cycle of in-vitro fertilisation is in place for all those eligible by April 2005;
	(9)  whether his Department will undertake an assessment of existing national health service capacity to ascertain whether it is sufficient to implement in full the National Institute for Clinical Excellence's clinical guideline on the assessment and treatment of people with fertility problems;
	(10)  what steps he is taking to assist primary care trusts to identify and overcome potential service blocks in order for them to implement in full the National Institute for Clinical Excellence's clinical guideline on the assessment and treatment of people with fertility problems;
	(11)  what assessment his Department has made of potential blocks in the commissioning and delivery of infertility services in the United Kingdom to the implementation in full of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence's clinical guideline on the assessment and treatment of people with fertility problems;
	(12)  what support his Department is providing to primary care trusts to assist them to (a) plan for and (b) implement in full the recommendations made in the National Institute for Clinical Excellence's clinical guideline on the assessment and treatment of people with fertility problems.

Melanie Johnson: The Government welcomed the publication in February 2004 by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) of the clinical guideline on the assessment and treatment for people with fertility problems. The guideline is aimed at the national health service and it is for the NHS locally to take it into account when determining how best to meet the needs of the local population, in discussion with patients and the public and within the resources allocated to the health service overall. Those resources are to rise at record levels, from 69 billion in 200405 to 92 billion in 200708.
	We expect the NHS to make progress towards full implementation of the guideline. As with other NICE guidelines, we have not set a timetable for this. However, we and NICE recognise that the NHS cannot reasonably be expected to implement the full guideline immediately and we have therefore advised all primary care trusts (PCTs) to begin implementation by offering a minimum of one cycle of in vitro fertilisation by April 2005 to those who meet the clinical criteria set out in the guideline and to give priority to couples who have no children living with them.
	We have agreed a broad programme of action to support the NHS in implementing NICE guidance, disseminated to the NHS on 14 June, which makes it clear that local health economies need to work together on implementation. We look to strategic health authorities (SHAs) to work with PCTs to ensure that they have effective arrangements in place for the provision of services, to investigate the barriers to implementation of NICE guidelines and to help ensure that the barriers can be overcome. The programme of action also includes, for example, the provision of advice from NICE on the development of resource templates to enable local health economies to estimate the resources needed. NICE provided the first such template for the fertility guideline, taking account of total PCT population, proportion of women aged 23 to 39 and the different local costs of providing services.
	SHAs are responsible for overseeing PCTs' performance. They will expect PCTs to be able to demonstrate that they are working to implement NICE clinical guidelines. Where a PCT is failing to implement a guideline, the SHA will explore with the trust the reasons for this, with the aim of overcoming barriers to implementation.
	The national standards for the NHS, published as Standards for Better Health on 12 July 2004, include a standard (Standard D2) for patients to receive effective treatment and care that conforms to nationally agreed best practice, particularly as defined in NICE guidance. This encompasses NICE's clinical guidelines, such as the one on infertility. The independent Healthcare Commission, which we established in April 2004 and which reports directly to Parliament on the state of healthcare in England and Wales, is developing criteria to review the provision of health care and in doing so is taking into account the requirements of Standards for Better Health. There are no plans for NICE to have a role in examining NHS capacity to implement NICE guidance as part of its new implementation programme.

Infected Blood

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many payments have been made by the Skipton Fund to Hepatitis C sufferers who were infected from NHS blood or blood products; and how many applications have been received.

Melanie Johnson: holding answer 16 September 2004
	The Skipton Fund became operational on 5 July. As at 14 September, the Skipton Fund has made 749 stage 1 payments. A total of 1,943 applications have been received.

Joint Replacement Operations

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people are on a NHS waiting list for a hip replacement operation.

John Hutton: We do not collect data on the number of national health service patients waiting for hip replacement operations. Data on NHS patients waiting for elective admission are collected by the consultant's main specialty function. Patients waiting for hip replacement are usually listed under the trauma and orthopaedic specialty. There were 232,006 patients waiting for trauma and orthopaedic elective admission at 31 July 2004.

Joint Replacement Operations

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much a knee replacement operation costs in the NHS.

John Hutton: The national average unit cost (per operation) for all national health service trusts in England for primary knee replacement where the operation is undertaken electively (that is not as an emergency) is 5,197.
	The data source is the Reference Costs 2003 Collection, relating to the financial year 200203. This is the most current data available and is accessible on the Department's website at: http://www.dh.gov.uk/PublicationsAndStatistics/Publications/Publications PolicyAndGuidance/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance Article/fs/en?CONTENT ID=4070195chk=UzhHA3.
	Calculation of the costs provided are based on all activity and costs associated with each procedure, regardless of the speciality in which the activity is recorded.

Mary Rose Birthing Centre

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what recent representations he has received on the proposal to close the Mary Rose Birthing Centre in Portsmouth;
	(2)  what recent assessment his Department has made of the proposal to close the community midwife-led maternity service at St. Mary's Hospital, Portsmouth and transfer the maternity services to Queen Alexandra Hospital; what research has been conducted on the effect on expectant mothers; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  if he will make it his policy to use his powers to ensure that the midwife-led maternity unit at St. Mary's Hospital Portsmouth is retained; and if he will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: The Department has not made an assessment of the proposal to close the community midwife-led maternity service at St. Mary's Hospital. In line with our policy of Shifting the Balance of Power, the configuration of local health services is a matter for the local national health service, working in partnership with its local community. It is for local NHS organisations, with their knowledge and expertise, to plan and develop services based on that knowledge. I am aware that the provision of maternity services in Portsmouth is under review and that Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, in collaboration with the three local primary care trusts, has engaged patients, carers and a range of other key stakeholders in shaping the proposals so far.
	Since April 2004, the Department has received one representation about the Mary Rose Birthing Centre, which was from the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South.

Mary Rose Birthing Centre

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he has given the Portsmouth Hospital NHS Trust following the report to the Department of Health children taskforce from the maternity and neonatal workforce group on the proposal by the trust to close the Mary Rose Birthing Centre.

Stephen Ladyman: The report to the Department's children's taskforce from the maternity and neonatal workforce group was made available on the Department's website in January 2003. The Department has not issued any guidance to trusts following the report.

Mental Health

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has conducted since 1997 into mental health in-patients' perception of their safety in NHS accommodation; and whether there is evidence of changes in perceptions of safety.

Rosie Winterton: The Department's national research programme is funding a number of studies into the organisation and delivery of inpatient mental health services as part of its continuing evaluation of models of service delivery. In three of those studies, patients' views are being sought on aspects of inpatient care, including safety. Details can be found at:
	http://www.sdo.Ishtm.ac.uk/evaluatingmodels.htm_bowers.
	http://www.sdo.Ishtm.ac.uk/evaluatingmodels.htm_75.
	http://www.sdo.Ishtm.ac.uk/evaluatingmodels.htm_lelliott.
	Over 75 per cent. of the Department's total expenditure on health research is devolved to and managed by national health service organisations. Details of completed and current individual projects can be found on the national research register at www.dh.gov.uk/research.
	The Architectural Healthcare Environment and its effects on the Patient Health Outcomes, University of Sheffield in association with NHS Estates, Poole Hospital NHS Trust and South Downs Mental Health Trust (2003) looked into the clinical and economic consequences of good architectural design in healthcare buildings. This publication is available from NHS Estates knowledge and information portal at http://195.92.246.148/nhsestates/knowledge/knowledge content/ home/home.asp.

Mental Health

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what procedures are in place (a) to measure mental health in-patients' satisfaction with the services they receive while in hospital, (b) to eradicate poor practice and (c) to disseminate good practice.

Rosie Winterton: All trusts are committed to measuring their patients' experience through a series of structured national surveys. The Healthcare Commission administers these and all trusts in England participate. Survey results feed into the assessment of trusts for the star ratings system, and trusts use their results to make service improvements.
	Results for the mental health trust patient surveys were published by the Healthcare Commission on 4 August 2004 and are available from http://www.healthcarecommission.org.uk/assetRoot/04/00/81/83/04008183.pdf.
	The Department has published a national service framework for mental health and a series of mental health policy implementation guides which provide services with good practice guidance. The National Institute for Mental Health in England provides trusts with practical support with implementing such guidance.

Mental Health

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he is taking to ensure that service users are involved in the planning and delivery of mental health hospital services.

Rosie Winterton: Section 11 of the Health and Social Care Act 2001 places a duty on national health service organisations, including mental health trusts, to involve and consult patients, the public and their representatives in the planning and development of services and to consult them on changes to the operation of services. The duty was commenced on 1 January 2003.
	Mental health policy implementation guide on adult acute inpatient care (2002), which is available in the Library, recommends the establishment of acute care forums with involvement of service users and carers to agree and regularly review the operation and co-ordination of the range of acute care services.

Mental Health

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on access for mental health patients to (a) fresh air, (b) exercise and (c) meaningful recreation; and what measures he has put in place to achieve this.

Rosie Winterton: As set out in the National service framework for mental health (1999) and Mental health policy implementation guide on adult acute inpatient care (2002), a flexible range of appropriate therapeutic and recreational resources and activities must be available in mental health inpatient settings.
	National minimum standards for general adult services in psychiatric intensive care units and low secure environments (2002) requires all patients to have access to fresh air and secure external space and space for regular exercise with appropriate supervision. This guidance also recommends such services to provide access to a games room in which board games, art equipment and stereo equipment is placed.
	Performance ratings of mental health trusts produced by the Healthcare Commission use performance indicators assessing the suitability of physical environments to meet the needs of service users and to ensure their privacy and dignity.
	Copies of these publications are available in the Library.

Mental Health

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which publicly funded bodies carry out inspections of NHS mental health trusts; and how frequently such inspections take place.

Rosie Winterton: The Healthcare Commission, the independent healthcare inspectorate for England, may carry out inspections of all national health service bodies, including NHS mental health trusts. The Commission is required by the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 each financial year to review the provision of health care for each English NHS body; such a review may include an inspection.
	As part of its remit to keep under review the operation of the Mental Health Act 1983, the Mental Health Act Commission visits all hospitals and registered nursing homes with detained patients at least three times biennially.

Mental Health

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made towards meeting the target for all regular carers of people with mental health problems to have been identified, received an assessment and have their own care support plans by 2004.

Rosie Winterton: In line with standard six of the national service framework for mental health (1999), all individuals who provide regular and substantial care for a person on care programme approach should have an assessment of their caring, physical and mental health needs, repeated on at least an annual basis. Such people should have their own written care plans, which are implemented in discussion with them. Up to 700 carer support workers will be in post by end the year to increase the breaks available for carers and to strengthen carer support networks. To consolidate the progress that is being made and to build on good practice and research, the Department has published guidance entitled, Developing Services for Carers and Families of People with Mental Illness.

Milking Parlours

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what regulation requires the display of No Smoking signs on a farm's milking parlours.

Melanie Johnson: There are no regulations that require No Smoking signs to be placed in a milking parlour.

Missed Appointments

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many GP appointments were missed in (a) the Castle Point and Rochford Primary Care Trust and (b) England in the last year for which figures are available;
	(2)  what his latest estimate is of the cost of a missed general practitioner appointment; and if he will make a statement.

John Hutton: The average cost of a consultation with a general practitioner is about 20. Missed appointments do waste doctors' time and national health service resources and we encourage everyone to keep or cancel appointments. However, the Department does not collect or hold information on the number of GP appointments which are missed by patients.

Mobile Phones

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of recent advice from the Chairman of the National Radiological Protection Board on potential dangers of radiation levels from mobile phones;
	(2)  what plans he has to publish new guidelines on potential health effects of mobile phones.

Melanie Johnson: The National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) provides advice to Government and others on exposure to electromagnetic fields, including those from sources such as mobile phones. The present chairman of the NRPB, Sir William Stewart, was formerly the chair of the independent expert group on mobile phones (IEGMP). The recommendations in the 2000 IEGMP report, known as the Stewart Report, form the basis of current Government policy on mobile phones and health. The report is available at www.iegmp.org.uk.
	In its new advice, published in March 2004, the NRPB recommends adopting for the United Kingdom the 1998 guidelines of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (Documents of the NRPB, Vol 15 No2, 2004). This advice covers the range of exposures from mobile phone technology, for which the limits are based on preventing effects caused by whole or partial body heating. This advice is available at www.nrpb.org. All mobile phones have to comply with the international guidelines.
	The NRPB keeps world-wide scientific developments on mobile phones and health under review on behalf of Government. The board of the NRPB is currently preparing a new document summarising the information produced since the Stewart Report. It will also give further advice to the public on mobile phone technologies and health. This report will be published in the next few months.

MRSA

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  whether the voluntary reporting system by hospitals of MRSA cases is still in place;
	(2)  how many MRSA cases were recorded by the Public Health Laboratory Service in each year from 1983; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  what the percentage change in the incidence of MRSA was in each year since 1989; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Ladyman: The voluntary reporting scheme is still operated by the Health Protection Agency and data on reported Staphylococcus aureus blood stream infections from 1990 to 2003 are shown in the table. The table includes the number of Staphylococcus aureus, the percentage of Staphylococcus aureus that are methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and the annual percentage increase in MRSA.
	
		Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (blood stream) laboratory reports and methicillin susceptibility (voluntary reporting scheme): England and Wales, 19902003
		
			  MRSA(46) Percentage(47) Percentage annual increase MSSA(48) No information(49) Total 
		
		
			 1990 68 2  3,924 865 4,857 
			 1991 78 2 15 4,101 788 4,967 
			 1992 114 3 46 4,373 560 5,047 
			 1993 210 4 84 4,902 635 5,747 
			 1994 452 9 115 4,784 724 5,960 
			 1995 849 14 89 5,132 618 6,599 
			 1996 1,603 22 89 5,523 640 7,766 
			 1997 2,422 30 51 5,555 1,367 9,344 
			 1998 2,851 34 18 5,430 1,930 10,211 
			 1999 3,332 37 17 5,584 1,884 10,800 
			 2000 4,272 42 28 5,861 1,976 12,109 
			 2001 5,090 42 19 7,035 1,364 13,489 
			 2002 5,310 43 4 7,130 1,086 13,526 
			 2003 5,658 41 7 8,022 1,151 14,831 
		
	
	Notes:
	(46) MRSAmethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection.
	(47) As a percentage of reports with methicillin susceptibility information.
	(48) MSSAmethicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection.
	(49) No informationno information on antimicrobial susceptibility is available.
	Source:
	Health Protection Agency.

MRSA

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action has been taken to implement the guidelines for combating MRSA set out in the report of the working party headed by Mr.G. Duckworth since its publication in 1990; and if he will make a statement.

Melanie Johnson: Decisions on implementation are made locally.
	The working group is revising the guidance published in 1998. The group has three sub-groups dealing with prevention and control, prophylaxis and antibiotic therapy and laboratory diagnosis and susceptibility testing. Provisional reports are expected by the end of the year. The Department is funding a literature review to support the work of the group.

MRSA

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he has instigated with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to ensure that (a) there is correct and consistent reporting of deaths caused by MRSA, or where it is a contributory factor and (b) death certificates are completed as directed by the Government.

Melanie Johnson: The proposal to reform the coroner and death certificate service is likely to improve information about methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection at or shortly before death in a number of ways. The emphasis on improved training for doctors in how to complete death certificates and the scrutiny of all certificates by specially trained medical examiners will improve the quality and completeness of information collected. The ability to link fact and cause of death to laboratory or patient records of infection will make it possible to determine how many people die following a diagnosis on invasive MRSA infection.

MRSA

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to counter MRSA in hospitals; and if he will make a statement.

Melanie Johnson: The Government's proposed actions to tackle methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other healthcare associated infections are set out in Winning Ways, working together to reduce Healthcare Associated Infection in England, published in December 2003 and Towards cleaner hospitals and lower rates of infection, published in July 2004. These are available in the Library. The actions set out in these publications will ensure that infection control is the business of everyone working in the national health service. To underline the priority the Government attaches to this subject, the actions include setting a new target for the NHS to reduce rates of MRSA infection year-on-year.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

Richard Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the prevalence is of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome in England; and how much was spent on research into these illnesses in 200304.

Stephen Ladyman: The Department does not undertake special data collection exercises for specific diseases, conditions, syndromes or injuries. Central monitoring and reporting is concentrated on the information needed to demonstrate progress against the targets set out in National Standards, Local Action: Health and Social Care Standards and Planning Framework 2005/062007/08 published by the Department on 21 July 2004; and for contractual purposes. Additional monitoring is kept to a minimum in favour of local performance management systems, exception reporting and independent inspections and does not include cases of myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME).
	The main agency through which the Government support medical and clinical research is the Medical Research Council (MRC). The MRC is an independent body funded by the Department of Trade and Industry via the Office of Science and Technology. The MRC, with the Department, is funding two complementary trials into various treatments options for CFS/ME for which a total of 4.2 million has been allocated. The trials were announced in 2003 and patient recruitment will start later this year.
	The Department, through the National Health Service Research and Development programme, is also funding a 75,000 trial entitled Cognitive behavioural therapy in chronic fatigue syndrome: A randomised controlled trial of an outpatient group programme.
	Over 75 per cent. of the Department's total expenditure on health research is devolved to and managed by NHS organisations. Details of individual projects, including some concerned with myalgic encephalomyelitis, can be found on the national research register at www.dh.gov.uk/research.

Myasthenia Gravis

Colin Pickthall: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what funding his Department has made available for research into myasthenia gravis.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 15 September 2004
	The main agency through which the Government support medical and clinical research is the Medical Research Council (MRC). The MRC is an independent body, funded by the Department of Trade and Industry via the Office of Science and Technology.
	The MRC is currently funding a five-year senior non-clinical fellowship at a total cost of 913,000 specifically to research disease mechanisms and ribonucleic acid-based therapies for pathogenic mutations at the neuromuscular synapse. This basic study aims to understand the underlying mechanisms behind myasthenia gravis and other similar conditions.
	Over 75 per cent. of the Department's total expenditure on health research is devolved to and managed by national health service organisations. Details of individual projects, including some concerned with myasthenia gravis, can be found on the national research register on the Department's website at www.dh.gov.uk/research.

New Deal for the Disabled

Jonathan R Shaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people have secured employment in the NHS through the New Deal for the disabled employment programme in each year since its inception.

John Hutton: This information is not collected centrally.
	A number of national health service organisations have worked in partnership with Job Brokers to support people with disabilities into employment. However, these local partnerships have developed independently from the Department and neither we nor the Department of Work and Pensions collect data on the constituent members of local partnerships nor the number of people employed through the New Deal for Disabled People by the NHS.

NHS Appointments

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether reference is made to political affiliation in making appointments to (a) health authorities and (b) primary care trusts.

Rosie Winterton: Ministers have delegated responsibility for the appointment of chairs and non-executive members for health authorities and primary care trusts to the National Health Service Appointments Commission. The Commission is required by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments' code of practice to collect information from all candidates for these appointments. This includes information on political affiliations. This information however is for monitoring purposes only, and is removed from application forms before the selection process begins. It does not form part of the information considered by the Appointments Commission when making their appointment decisions.

NHS Bureaucracy

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the most recent total annual cost to the NHS of (a) SITREP returns and (b) monthly management information returns; and if he will make a statement.

John Hutton: The impact on the national health service from making situation report (SITREP) returns to the Department was estimated to be 73 person years in 200304.
	The impact on the NHS from monthly management information returns to the Department was estimated to be 19 person years in 200304.
	The impact is estimated in person years, based on the time taken to complete the form or collection mechanism by the data suppliers in the NHS. This figure is an aggregate and the burden will be subject to considerable variation from one supplier, for example, a NHS trust, to the next, depending on their circumstances and systems. The overall estimate is therefore approximate.
	Both reports are important parts of mandatory NHS performance in key patient areas and contribute data to performance ratings, now produced by the Healthcare Commission.

NHS Drugs Expenditure

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what the total expenditure on drugs in the NHS was in England in (a) cash terms and (b) real terms in each of the last 10 years for which figures are available; and what the expected expenditure on drugs in the NHS in England is over the next 10 years in (i) cash terms and (ii) real terms;
	(2)  what the total NHS expenditure on drugs was in each year since 199091 in (a) real terms and (b) cash terms; and if he will estimate the projected change in this budget for each year until 200910.

Rosie Winterton: The total gross National Health Service expenditure on drugs in England for each year from 199091, for which figures are available, in both real and cash terms, is shown in the table.
	
		 million
		
			 Year Real terms Cash terms 
		
		
			 1990/91 3,677 2,552 
			 1991/92 3,977 2,926 
			 1992/93 4,336 3,294 
			 1993/94 4,731 3,686 
			 1994/95 5,076 4,016 
			 1995/96 5,379 4,379 
			 1996/97 5,668 4,769 
			 1997/98 6,019 5,195 
			 1998/99 6,271 5,567 
			 1999/2000 6,857 6,220 
			 2000/01 7,298 6,698 
			 2001/02 7,755 7,293 
			 2002/03 8,459 8,230 
		
	
	Source:
	Prescription Pricing Authority, England.
	Data are not available for projected changes in expenditure over the next 10 years.

NHS Elect

Richard Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the progress of implementation of NHS Elect.

John Hutton: NHS Elect was set up at the start of 2003 by four national health service treatment centres as a way of sharing best practice in optimising patients' outcomes and experience in short stay elective care.
	The Department is considering working with NHS Elect to help other NHS treatment centres implement the principles of the NHS Elect model, to support and encourage delivery and excellence.

NHS Planning

Nigel Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment is made of (a) proposals for increases in population and (b) housing targets when changes and amalgamation of NHS services are planned by health bodies; and if he will make a statement.

John Hutton: It is for the local health services to decide, with their local populations and in the light of relevant guidance and standards, how national health service services are organised. This should take account of population changes and housing targets when considering the reconfiguration of services. To help the NHS set a clear direction of travel when considering service expansion and redesign, the Department published Keeping the NHS LocalA New Direction of Travel, in February 2003. It sets out core principles for service change that the NHS must follow. While accepting that centralisation is sometimes necessary to maintain high quality services and patient safety, it challenges the view that 'biggest is best', and sets out a range of strategies and options to help the NHS keep services local.

NHS Psychiatry

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average waiting time for referral to psychiatric services in each mental health trust is.

Rosie Winterton: This information is not centrally available. Information on the average waiting times for a first outpatient appointment with a mental illness consultant is shown in the table.
	
		Outpatient waiting times, mean and median (trust based) for the selected specialties (England figures) -- Quarter ending June 2004 Q1
		
			   Number of outpatients seen by a consultant following a general practitioner referral 
			 Specialty Specialty name Week 0 to 3 Week 4 to 12 Week 13 to 25 Week 26 plus Total Median (weeks) 
		
		
			 700 Mental handicap 366 216 15 0 597 3.27 
			 710 Mental illness 8,980 4,870 465 0 14,315 3.19 
			 711 Child and adolescent  psychiatry 818 872 322 0 2,012 5.95 
			 712 Forensic psychiatry 8 3 0 0 11 3.00 
			 713 Psychotherapy 149 176 21 0 346 5.25 
			 715 Old age psychiatry 5,268 2,047 216 0 7,531 2.86 
			 Psychiatry services Total grouped together of the above specialties 15,589 8,184 1,039 0 24,812 3.18 
		
	
	Source:
	Department of Health QM08

NHS Salary Increases

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what increases in salaries have been awarded for NHS (a) doctors, (b) nurses, (c) scientific staff, (d) administrative staff and (e) managerial staff in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.

John Hutton: The table shows percentage increases in salaries for the last five years.
	
		Percentage increase in salaries (1 April of each year)
		
			  2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 
		
		
			 Doctors (50)3.225 3.225 3.6 3.9 3.3 
			 Nurses 3.225 3.225 (51)3.6 or 400 3.7 3.4 
			 Scientific staff 3.225 3.225 (51)3.6 or 400 (51)3.7 or 380 (51)3.25 or 300 
			 Administrative staff 3.225 3.225 (51)3.6 or 400 (51)3.7 or 380 (51)3.25 or 300 
			 Managerial staff 3 3.225 3.225 3.6 3.7 3.250 
		
	
	(50) Uplifts to salary scales for 2004 were:
	2.5 per cent, for consultants employed under the old consultant contract;
	2.7 per cent, for non-consultant career grade doctors and doctors in training; and
	3.225 per cent, for consultants employed under the 2003 consultant contract.
	(51) Whichever is the greater.
	(52) For managerial staff, the percentages represent increases in the total paybill (envelope) for senior managers within each employing organisation.

NHS Spending

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much has been spent on the NHS in (a) Yorkshire, (b) North Yorkshire and (c) York at current prices in each year since 1979.

Melanie Johnson: The information is not collected centrally in the format requested.
	The table shows expenditure in Yorkshire at 200203 prices, by strategic health authority area, for 19961997 to 200203, which is the latest year for which
	figures are available.
	Information is not available in the required format prior to 19961997, owing to the reorganisation of the National Health Service, it is not possible to provide comparable data prior to that year.
	
		 million
		
			 Strategic health authority areas North and East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire West Yorkshire South Yorkshire 
		
		
			 199697 1,096,213 1,562,719 1,051,131 
			 199798 1,080,148 1,489,636 990,486 
			 199899 1,145,340 1,566,685 1,050,276 
			 19992000 1,274,338 1,764,383 1,234,301 
			 200001 1,333,692 1,867,079 1,279,797 
			 200102 1,411,497 1,974,656 1,370,042 
			 200203 1,487,910 2,194,397 1,490,440 
		
	
	Sources:
	Audited accounts of the health authorities 199697 to 199899.
	Audited summarisation forms of the health authorities 19992000 to 200102.
	Audited summarisation forms of the strategic health authorities 200203.
	Audited summarisation schedules of primary care trusts within the health authority areas 200001 to 200203.
	Her Majesty Treasury Gross Domestic Product deflator.

NHS Treatment (Older People)

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of people received NHS treatment in (a) England and (b) the London borough of Havering in the last period for which figures are available were aged over 60 years.

Stephen Ladyman: Information on the full range of national health service services provided in NHS hospitals, through community and primary care, and through other NHS services is not available in the form requested.
	Revenue funding is allocated to primary care trusts on the basis of the relative needs of their populations. A weighted capitation formula is used to determine each PCT's target share of available resources based on the age distribution of the population, additional need over and above that accounted for by age, and the unavoidable geographical variations in the cost of providing services. Residents of each locality will also benefit from publicly-funded public health programmes and through services such as NHSDirect.
	In Havering, about 22.8 per cent. of residents are aged 60 years or more compared to a national average of about 20.8 per cent. This is reflected in the method used to calculate the resources to be allocated.

NHS Trust Funding

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much central funding was provided to each London NHS trust for 200405.

John Hutton: The Department allocates central revenue funding to primary care trusts. National Health Service trusts, as providers of services, receive the bulk of their revenue funding from commissioning by primary care trusts.
	However, some central capital funding is allocated to NHS trusts. The table shows operational capital allocations for 200405 for each London NHS trust.
	
		Operational capital allocations to London trusts for 20042005 -- 000
		
			 NHS Trust 2004/2005 operational capital 
		
		
			 Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals NHS Trust 6,992 
			 Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust 4,242 
			 Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust 2,123 
			 Barts and The London NHS Trust 9,405 
			 Bromley Hospitals NHS Trust 2,748 
			 Central and North West London Mental Health NHS Trust 1,486 
			 Chelsea and Westminster Healthcare NHS Trust 6,427 
			 Baling Hospital NHS Trust 1,713 
			 East London and The City Mental Health NHS Trust 951 
			 Epson and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust 4,417 
			 Great Ormond Street Hospital For Children NHS Trust 1,690 
			 Guy's and St Thomas1 NHS Foundation Trust 11,223 
			 Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust 10,364 
			 Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 2,321 
			 King's College Hospital NHS Trust 6,027 
			 Kingston Hospital NHS Trust 2,508 
			 London Ambulance Service NHS Trust 6,455 
			 Mayday Healthcare NHS Trust 2,076 
			 Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 1,257 
			 Newham University Hospital NHS Trust 2,321 
			 North East London Mental Health NHS Trust 1,433 
			 North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust 2,211 
			 North West London Hospitals NHS Trust 4,993 
			 Oxleas NHS Trust 760 
			 Queen Elizabeth Hospital NHS Trust 1,237 
			 Queen Mary's Sidcup NHS Trust 1,821 
			 Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust 3,771 
			 Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust 5,617 
			 South London and Maudsley NHS Trust 3,462 
			 South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust2,421 
			 St George's Healthcare NHS Trust 6,179 
			 St Mary's NHS Trust 3,935 
			 Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust 130 
			 The Hillingdon Hospital NHS Trust 3,340 
			 The Lewisham Hospital NHS Trust 3,069 
			 The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust 2,028 
			 The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust 1,066 
			 University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust6,517 
			 West London Mental Health NHS Trust 3,784 
			 West Middlesex University NHS Trust 2,288 
			 Whipps Cross University Hospital NHS Trust 2,890 
			 Whittington Hospital NHS Trust 2,669

Nurses/Midwives

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many pre-registration training places there were for nurses and midwives in England in each year since 1980 for which figures are available.

John Hutton: Information on the number of pre-registration training places for nurses and midwives in each year since 19922003, the first available year, is shown in the table.
	
		Pre-registration nursing and midwifery training commissions
		
			  
		
		
			 199293 16,338 
			 199394 14,197 
			 199495 12,480 
			 199596 13,381 
			 199697 14,984 
			 199798 16,539 
			 199899 17,689 
			 19992000 18,707 
			 200001 20,021 
			 200102 21,770 
			 200203 22,956 
			 200304 24,284

Oldchurch Hospital

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of accident and emergency services at Oldchurch Hospital in the London borough of Havering.

John Hutton: The effectiveness of local accident and emergency services are assessed by local commissioners.
	The national health service is committed to reducing to four hours the maximum wait in accident and emergency from arrival, transfer or discharge by the end of 2004.
	Latest figures show that in Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals NHS Trust (of which Oldchurch Hospital is a part of) 87.9 per cent. of patients are spending less than four hours in accident and emergency departments.

Oldchurch Hospital

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many official complaints have been received by the Department about Oldchurch Hospital in the London Borough of Havering in each of the last 10 years.

John Hutton: The information requested is not collected centrally.
	Local trusts, in partnership with their health community, have responsibility for local services and the support systems, which they have put in place, and a corresponding responsibility to improve upon these. It is therefore appropriate that they investigate complaints and respond accordingly.

Oldchurch Hospital

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress Oldchurch Hospital in the London Borough of Havering has made towards meeting the Government's targets for waiting lists.

John Hutton: The Department does not collect data for individual hospitals. However, data for Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals National Health Service Trust, of which Oldchurch Hospital is a part, shows that the trust has hit the Government's targets for waiting times.

Oldchurch Hospital

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussions he has had with the management of Oldchurch Hospital in the London Borough of Havering.

John Hutton: My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State and Ministers have had no discussions recently with the management of Oldchurch Hospital.
	In line with our policy of Shifting the Balance of Power, the Department does not routinely become involved in the day-to-day management of the National Health Service at local level. It is now for primary care trusts (PCTs), in partnership with strategic health authorities, and other local stakeholders to plan develop and improve services for local people.
	We recognise that health services are better when management is devolved to the frontline. Within the framework set out in the NHS Plan, and other policy documents, PCTs with their specialised knowledge of the local community are able to effectively manage and improve local services.

Oldchurch Hospital

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to visit Oldchurch Hospital in the London Borough of Havering.

John Hutton: There are currently no plans to visit Oldchurch Hospital in the London Borough of Havering. Any invitations received will be given consideration.

Osteoporosis

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many DEXA scanners are available in the NHS; what plans he has to increase the numbers of DEXA scanners; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Ladyman: This information is not collected centrally. Work is currently under way to rectify this.
	Dexa scanners are now referred to as DXA scanners as this is the internationally accepted terminology.

Patient and Public Health Forums

Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the budget of each intermediate body promoting patient and public health forums is.

Rosie Winterton: The Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health has contracted for forum support services but cannot reveal the levels of individual contracts for reasons of commercial confidentiality. Exemption 13 (third party's commercial confidences) of the Open Government Code of Practice on Access to Government Information applies.
	The total figure for forum support organisation contracts is 16.4 million; this is divided between 140 contracts.

Pontefract General Infirmary

Bill O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many beds there were at the Pontefract General Infirmary in each of the past five years.

Melanie Johnson: The requested information is not validated centrally in the requested format. However, information for the relevant national health service trusts is shown in the tables.
	
		Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trustaverage daily number of available beds, by sector, 199697 to 200203
		
			  All specialties (excluding day only) General and acute Acute Geriatric Mental illness Learning disability Maternity Day only 
		
		
			 199697 
			 199798 
			 199899 
			 19992000 
			 200001 
			 200102 
			 200203 1,509 1,399 1,171 228 0 0 110 93 
		
	
	
		Pinderfields and Pontefract Hospitals NHS Trustverage daily number of available beds, by sector, 199697 to 200203
		
			  All specialties (excluding day only) General and acute Acute Geriatric Mental illness Learning disability Maternity Day only 
		
		
			 199697 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 58 
			 199798 1,085 1,023 906 118 0 0 62 36 
			 199899 1,064 1,001 898 104 0 0 63 58 
			 19992000 1,050 987 885 103 0 0 63 58 
			 200001 1,063 1,000 897 104   63 61 
			 200102 1,063 1,006 903 103 0 0 57 61 
			 200203 
		
	
	
		Dewsbury Healthcare NHS Trustaverage daily number of available beds, by sector, 199697 to 200203
		
			  All specialties (excluding day only) General and acute Acute Geriatric Mental illness Learning disability Maternity Day only 
		
		
			 199697 514 398 314 85 74 7 35 31 
			 199697 514 398 314 85 74 7 35 31 
			 199798 507 389 299 90 77 7 35 20 
			 199899 509 393 292 101 72 6 38 30 
			 19992000 521 406 292 114 67 6 41 30 
			 200001 523 408 285 124 66 7 41 33 
			 200102 531 417 281 135 67 8 40 34 
			 200203 
		
	
	Source:
	Department of Health form KH03.

Primary Care Centres

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made towards meeting the target for new one stop primary care centres by December 2004.

John Hutton: Good progress is being made, with more than 300 centres reported as being open, with many more in the course of development.

Prostate Cancer

Ross Cranston: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the Prostate Cancer Risk Management Programme;
	(2)  what plans he has to raise public awareness of prostate cancer;
	(3)  what plans he has to raise awareness of prostate cancer among (a) general practitioners and (b) other health professionals;
	(4)  what progress has been made in tackling prostate cancer since 2000.

Melanie Johnson: Good progress has been made since the national health service prostate cancer programme was launched on 6 September 2000, setting out the Government's approach to improving prostate cancer services in England and Wales.
	As part of the prostate cancer risk management programme (PCRMP), evidence-based primary care resource packs were sent to all general practitioners in England on 23 September 2002 to aid them in understanding prostate cancer and counselling men (who are worried about prostate cancer, ensuring the men make an informed choice about whether or not to have a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test.
	The Cancer Research UK primary care education research group is now in the process of evaluating the use of the packs. This evaluation includes:
	a national survey of 400 GPs to describe their current practice and attitudes regarding PSA testing for prostate cancer, as well as their views of the PCRMP resource pack.
	a population survey of 900 men aged 4075 designed to look at the impact of the PCRMP patient information sheet on men's knowledge and attitudes regarding prostate cancer and the PSA test, their future intentions regarding having a PSA test, and what factors influence these intentions.
	a series of focus groups and interviews are being conducted with a sample of men from the population survey to gather more in-depth information on their views on PSA testing, and to explore how best to assist informed decision-making on this topic.
	The evaluation is being jointly funded by the Department via national health service cancer screening programmes and Cancer Research UK and results are expected over the next year. The results of the evaluation will inform future revisions of the pack.
	Other elements of the PCRMP include ensuring that a systematic and standardised follow-up pathway is available for individuals whose test result is above the PSA threshold and action to improve the quality of laboratory testing of PSA samples. Recommendations from the scientific reference group, which supports the PCRMP, were sent to all pathologists and urologists, along with a copy of the resource pack, in September 2002.
	Other good progress has been made on prostate cancer. In 200304, the Department met its target of directly funding 4.2 million of research a year on prostate cancer. This is a twenty-fold increase compared with 19992000.
	98.8 per cent., of patients with suspected urological cancers, including prostate, were seen for their first out-patient appointment within two weeks of urgent general practitioner referral between January and March 2004.
	The cancer services collaborative is modernising cancer care, including prostate cancer, by reducing unnecessary delays in the system for patients throughout the cancer-journey.
	There has been a 47 per cent., increase in the number of consultant urologists since 1997, from 343 to 503.
	The National Institute for Clinical Excellence published guidance on improving outcomes in urological cancers in September 2002.
	In response to the launch of the prostate cancer charter for action, we have set up the prostate cancer advisory group (PCAG) to facilitate collaboration between the Department of Health, the voluntary sector, and patient and professional groups. The PCAG is taking forward work in four main areas:
	Information for prostate cancer patients
	Public awareness of prostate cancer
	Improving treatment
	A national prostate cancer website
	Regarding public awareness, we want men to be aware of their bodies and know what their prostate gland does, and also what can go wrong with it. We need to raise awareness in a responsible way and not scare men into rushing to see their general practitioners when there may be nothing wrong with them. The public awareness working group of PCAG has been reviewing information for men about prostate cancer, along with assessing the evidence over public awareness interventions, and will be making recommendations on the way forward for men and the national health service in England shortly.
	The Department is funding other work on the public awareness of prostate cancera Section 64 grant to the Prostate Cancer Charity to increase further information about prostate cancer; a Section 64 grant to the Prostate Cancer Charity to improve the awareness of the risks and symptoms of prostate cancer among men from African and Afro-Caribbean communities in Britain; and DIPExthe Database of Individual Patient Experiences website on prostate cancer.

Silicone Cosmesis

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what budget he has set for 200506 on silicone cosmesis.

Stephen Ladyman: It is for primary care trusts, in partnership with strategic health authorities and other local stakeholders, to determine how best to use their funds to meet national and local priorities for improving health, tackling health inequalities and modernising services. This process provides the means for addressing local needs within the health community, including the provision of silicone cosmesis.

Silicone Cosmesis

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of the 4 million allocation made towards silicone cosmesis has been spent by NHS trusts over the last three years.

Stephen Ladyman: Spending on silicone cosmesis through the National Health Service Purchasing and Supply Agency national framework agreement, which probably represents most if not all spending by NHS trusts (England only) on silicone cosmesis coverings and associated equipment and services was 81,858 for 200102, 410,479 for 200203 and 710,188 for 200304. This equates to 30 per cent., out of the 4 million allocation made to NHS trusts (England only).

Smoking Ban

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effects on the NHS of a ban on smoking in public places.

Melanie Johnson: Second-hand smoke in the home and in public places is causally linked to lung cancer, ischaemic heart disease, cot death, childhood respiratory diseases, middle ear disease and asthma attacks in children. A reduction in exposure to second-hand smoke will lead to a reduced burden on the national health service from the diseases linked to second-hand smoke; as well as a reduced direct health burden from lower smoking rates, which would follow. The exact level of this benefit has not been estimated.
	We have just conducted a public health consultation, which covers a wide range of issues including smoking in public places. We are currently considering all the many responses we have received. These will inform the public health White Paper which will be published in the autumn.

Social Care Payments

Harold Best: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many recipients of direct payments for social care there are in (a) England, (b) Leeds and (c) Leeds North West.

Stephen Ladyman: The table shows the number of clients aged 18 and over receiving direct payments in England and Leeds in 200203. Information on direct payments provided to carers and parents of disabled children are not available.
	Information for Leeds North West is not collected centrally.
	
		Number of clients aged 18 and over receiving direct payments in England and Leeds in 200203.
		
			  Total of clients(53) receiving direct payments 
		
		
			 England(54) 9,600 
			 Leeds 70 
		
	
	(53) Total includes all clients aged 18 and over.
	(54) Based on estimates.
	Source:
	RAP form P2f

Social Services (Haringey)

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people are employed in Haringey social services Department, broken down by grade; and what the vacancy rate is.

Stephen Ladyman: holding answer 14 September 2004
	Data on the number of people employed by Haringey social services Department by grade and the vacancy rates are not available centrally. The table shows the whole time equivalent number of staff employed by Haringey social services Department as at 30 September 2003, the latest date for which data are available broken down by various job categories:
	
		Whole time equivalent number of staff employed by Haringey social services Department as at 30 September 2003
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 Strategic/central staff  
			 Senior support staff 10 
			 Staff in operational divisions/not establishment based  
			 Assistant directors, managers and principal officers not establishment based 5 
			   
			 Provision specifically for children's services  
			 Children's services: team leaders/managers 40 
			 Children's services: assistant team managers/senior social workers 35 
			 Children's services: field social workers 100 
			 Children's services: social services officers/social work assistants 10 
			 Children's services: child protection, family placement, juvenile/youth justice workers 50 
			 Children's services: OT assistants, equipment aids and other officers 10 
			   
			 Provision specifically for adult services  
			 Team leaders/managers 20 
			 Assistant team managers/senior social workers 10 
			 Care managers 30 
			 Community workers 25 
			 Specialist teams (not included above) alcohol, HIV/AIDS and drug centres  
			 Care managers in alcohol, HIV/AIDS and drug centres 5 
			   
			 Other specialist teams (e.g. mental health, people with learning disabilities and/or physical disabilities)  
			 Team leaders/managers 15 
			 Assistant team managers and senior social workers 5 
			 Social workers 30 
			 Care managers in specialist teams for mental health etc. 0 
			 Support workers 10 
			   
			 Generic provision  
			 Team leaders/managers 10 
			 Assistant team managers/senior social workers 5 
			 Community workers (inc. community development officers) 5 
			 Occupational therapists 10 
			 OT assistants, equipment aids and other officers 5 
			   
			 Other staff:  
			   
			 Transport  
			 Support services staff 230 
			   
			 Domiciliary service staff  
			 Home/domiciliary care/help organizers 10 
			 Home care staff/home helps 105 
			 Support services staff 10 
			   
			 Day care provision:  
			   
			 Staff of day centres mainly for elderly people and elderly people with a mental infirmity  
			 Managers and officers in charge 5 
			 Care staff 10 
			   
			 Staff of day centres mainly for people under 65 with physical disabilities  
			 Care staff 5 
			 Other support services staff 5 
			 Staff of day centres mainly for adults with learning disabilities (Include centres formerly referred to as adult training centres) deputy officers in charge 10 
			 Care staff 65 
			 Other support services staff 10 
			   
			 Family centres  
			 Family centre workers, family aides and other care staff 5 
			   
			 Care in residential establishments:  
			   
			 Staff of homes mainly for elderly people and elderly people with a mental infirmity  
			 Managers and officers in charge 5 
			 Deputy officers in charge 5 
			 Other supervisory staff 5 
			 Care staff 100 
			 Other support services staff 25 
			   
			 Staff of homes and hostels mainly for adults with mental health problems  
			 Care staff 15 
			   
			 Staff of homes and hostels mainly for adults with learning disabilities  
			 Other supervisory staff 5 
			 Care staff 25 
			 Staff of community homes for children looked after (including observation and assessment centres where mainly residential)  
			 Child care staff 20 
			   
			 Mainly for children  
			 Child care staff 10 
			   
			 Other staff in post (not included above)  
			 All other staff 75 
			   
			 Total staff:  
			 Grand total all staff 1,295 
		
	
	Note:
	Because of rounding, the total is not exactly the sum of the individual staff numbers.

Speech Therapists

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many primary care trusts have (a) withdrawn and (b) reduced budgets for speech therapists over the last three years; and if he will make a statement.

John Hutton: The information requested is not collected centrally.

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of vancomycin-resistant enterococcus there were in each of the last 10 years.

Melanie Johnson: Laboratory reports of vancomycin resistant enterococcal bacteraemias for each year from 1993 to 2003 for England are shown in the table.
	
		Vancomycin resistant enterococcus infections
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 1993 30 
			 1994 49 
			 1995 66 
			 1996 73 
			 1997 63 
			 1998 119 
			 1999 119 
			 2000 184 
			 2001 159 
			 2002 253 
			 2003 331